Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

The first forkful of this Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers a perfect harmony of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and spicy Southern flavors that dance across your palate. This comforting casserole transforms ordinary spaghetti into an extraordinary meal that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a potluck, this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers both comfort and excitement in every bite. You’ll learn how to layer flavors, achieve the perfect consistency, and customize this Southern classic to make it your own signature dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stands apart from ordinary pasta dishes in so many ways. First, the contrast between the al dente spaghetti and the velvety, cheese-laden sauce creates a textural experience that’s utterly satisfying. The heat from jalapeños and cayenne provides a warming kick that builds with each bite but doesn’t overwhelm the rich, savory flavors.

What makes this cheesy chicken spaghetti truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for Sunday dinner yet simple enough for weeknight meals. The make-ahead potential is a game-changer for busy households – assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when you get home.

Best of all, this Southern chicken casserole combines familiar ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy Velveeta, and pepperjack creates depth that store-bought cheese sauces simply can’t match. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For this Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (450g) spaghetti, broken in half
• 3 cups (420g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 lb (450g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (113g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz/283g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-tel)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust for heat preference)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish

The Velveeta cheese creates that unmistakably smooth, creamy base that defines Southern comfort food, while the combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack adds complex flavor and extra gooey texture to this spicy chicken pasta casserole.

Pro Tips

Master the Pasta Consistency: For the perfect Southern chicken spaghetti casserole, cook your pasta just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy. Rinse it briefly with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Layer Your Heat Elements: To create a balanced spice profile in your spicy cheesy chicken spaghetti, add heat in stages. Start by sautéing the jalapeños with the onions to infuse the oils, then incorporate the canned tomatoes with chilies, and finally add the cayenne at the end. This creates depth of flavor rather than one-dimensional heat. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away.

Perfect the Cheese Sauce: For the silkiest, most luscious cheese sauce, lower your heat before adding the cheese and stir constantly. The key to avoiding a grainy texture in your Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is patience – melt the Velveeta first, then gradually add the sharper cheeses in small handfuls, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. This method prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting for the water to boil, shred your chicken if not already done and measure out all other ingredients so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, breaking it in half for easier mixing later. Cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente. Drain well and toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the jalapeños and garlic, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen should now be filled with the aromatic foundation of your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies (with their juice). Stir well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese
Lower the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta first, stirring constantly until completely melted. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses in small batches, ensuring each addition is fully melted before adding more. This patience creates the signature creamy texture of authentic Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti.

Step 6: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Allow your Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up properly and makes serving easier. Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy your masterpiece!

Variations

Seafood Twist: Transform this Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole into a coastal delight by substituting the chicken with 1 pound of cooked shrimp and 1 pound of lump crabmeat. Reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly and add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for an authentic seafood flavor profile. The delicate sweetness of the seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Vegetarian Version: Create a meat-free cheesy spaghetti casserole by replacing the chicken with 2 cups of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken. The roasted vegetables add a delicious caramelized depth that complements the spicy cheese sauce perfectly.

Low-Carb Adaptation: For those watching their carbohydrate intake, substitute the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. Reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes to prevent the vegetable “noodles” from releasing too much moisture. This lighter version of spicy chicken pasta casserole still delivers all the comforting flavors while cutting the carbs significantly.

Storage and Serving

This Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture, and warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.

For an impressive presentation, serve your cheesy chicken spaghetti with a side of buttery garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Add a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

For a complete Southern-inspired meal, pair this casserole with collard greens and cornbread. The slightly bitter greens and sweet cornbread create a perfect counterpoint to the spicy, creamy Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

FAQs

Can I make this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute with 8 oz cream cheese plus 1/2 cup American cheese for a similar creamy texture. Add 1 tablespoon of sodium citrate if available to help maintain the smooth consistency.

Is there a way to make this casserole less spicy for kids?
Yes! Omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper, and substitute the diced tomatoes with green chilies for regular diced tomatoes. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want to add heat.

What’s the best chicken to use in this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken provides the best flavor and convenience. Alternatively, you can use poached chicken breasts or thighs, or even leftover roasted chicken.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
While traditional Southern versions use spaghetti, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or cavatappi. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta remains slightly undercooked before baking.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, spicy, and bursting with bold Southern flavors that wrap you in culinary warmth with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary family dinner into a special occasion, bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether you’re creating memories around the dinner table, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something deliciously satisfying, this casserole delivers homestyle comfort with a spicy, cheesy twist that keeps you coming back for more.

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