Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole 🍗🌶️🧀
If you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food with a spicy Southern twist, this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole will win your heart ❤️! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce get kicked up with just the right amount of heat. It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner, easy enough for weeknights, and delicious enough to bring to potlucks where it disappears in minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Pasta:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti
2–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti until just al dente (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the flavorful base:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the creamy sauce:
Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Mix well. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine with chicken & pasta:
Add shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing gently until everything is well coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture.
5. Assemble the casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake to bubbly perfection:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips & Variations:
âś… Adjust spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
âś… Swap spaghetti for penne or rotini for a fun twist.
âś… Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
âś… Make ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8
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