Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, aromatic casserole where tender strands of spaghetti are enveloped in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce with succulent pieces of chicken throughout. This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines comfort food nostalgia with a kick of Southern heat that will make your taste buds dance. A beloved staple at potlucks and family dinners across the South, this hearty dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. You’ll learn how to create layers of flavor, achieve the perfect texture, and customize this crowd-pleasing casserole to make it a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food for so many reasons. First, it strikes that perfect balance between creamy indulgence and satisfying texture – the al dente spaghetti provides the perfect foundation while the velvety cheese sauce creates a luxurious mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this casserole special is the contrast between the rich, cheesy base and the gentle heat from diced jalapeños and cayenne that builds with each bite without overwhelming. The seasoned chicken adds hearty protein while bell peppers contribute sweet, fresh notes that cut through the richness.

Perhaps best of all, this dish is remarkably forgiving and adaptable. You can prepare components ahead of time, and the recipe welcomes substitutions based on what you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food without hours in the kitchen. The leftovers? Even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.

Ingredients

For your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, gather these essential ingredients:

• 16 oz (450g) spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 3 cups (375g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper (about 1 cup/150g), diced
• 1-2 jalapeños (2-3 tbsp/30-45g), seeded and minced
• 3 cloves garlic (1 tbsp/9g), minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz/283g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 8 oz (226g) velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 tsp (5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp (6g) smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

The Velveeta cheese creates that signature creamy, melty texture that defines Southern casseroles, while the sharp cheddar adds depth of flavor. The combination of jalapeños, cayenne, and diced tomatoes with green chilies provides the characteristic Southern heat that makes this spicy chicken spaghetti casserole truly special.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole requires attention to a few critical techniques:

First, master the pasta texture. Cook your spaghetti just until al dente – about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and starting slightly undercooked prevents a mushy final texture. After draining, toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare other ingredients.

Second, develop layers of flavor by properly sautéing your aromatics. Take your time cooking the onions until they’re translucent and beginning to caramelize (about 5-7 minutes) before adding the bell peppers and jalapeños. This slow cooking process releases natural sweetness that balances the heat in the dish. Add garlic last, cooking for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant – any longer and it may burn and turn bitter.

Finally, temperature control is crucial when incorporating the cheeses. Remove your sauce from direct heat before stirring in the Velveeta and cheddar. The residual heat will melt the cheese smoothly without risk of breaking or curdling. Stir constantly in a figure-eight motion until completely incorporated for the silkiest texture. Reserve some cheddar for the top to create that irresistible golden, slightly crispy cheese crust.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Season generously with salt – it should taste like seawater. Add your broken spaghetti pieces and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes or 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well but don’t rinse – that starchy coating helps the sauce adhere better to your pasta.

Step 2: Create Your Flavor Base

In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened and beginning to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Toss in your diced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until slightly softened. Now add your minced jalapeños (adjust quantity based on how spicy you want your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to be) and garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits – that’s pure flavor! Add the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies (with their juice), and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Remove the pan from heat and add the cubed Velveeta and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Fold in your cooked chicken until well coated in the cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – this is your last chance to perfect the flavor!

Step 5: Assemble And Bake

Add your cooked spaghetti to the chicken-cheese mixture, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has melted and begun to turn golden in spots.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Remove your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving for a bright finish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

The versatility of Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole makes it perfect for customization. Here are some popular variations to consider:

Seafood Twist: Create a Southern coastal version by substituting the chicken with 2 cups of cooked, peeled shrimp and adding 1 cup of lump crab meat. Reduce the cayenne by half and add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for an authentic seafood flavor profile. The delicate sweetness of seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Vegetarian Delight: Transform this into a meatless masterpiece by replacing the chicken with 3 cups of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and extra bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup. The roasted vegetables add delicious caramelized notes and heartiness without the meat.

Tex-Mex Fusion: Amp up the Southwestern flavors by adding 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 cup of black beans, and substituting the regular cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and finish with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream on top. This variation creates a festive cross between spicy chicken spaghetti and a Mexican casserole.

Storage and Serving

Your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled completely, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers, leaving some expansion room, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For single servings, microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying out.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of buttery garlic bread makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up every last bit of cheese sauce. For a complete Southern meal, serve alongside collard greens or green beans with bacon. If entertaining, present the casserole in its baking dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, surrounded by lemon wedges for guests to brighten their portions as desired.

FAQs

Can I make this spicy chicken pasta casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold casserole.

How can I make this less spicy for my kids?
Reduce the heat by omitting the jalapeños entirely and substituting regular diced tomatoes for the tomatoes with green chilies. Use just a pinch of cayenne or omit it completely. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! While traditional Southern spaghetti casserole uses spaghetti, medium pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully and may be easier for some to eat. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta shape.

What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken provides excellent flavor and convenience. Alternatively, poach 2 large chicken breasts in broth with aromatics, then shred. For a time-saver, quality canned chicken (well-drained) can work in a pinch.

Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?
While Velveeta creates that classic smooth texture, you can substitute with 8 oz of cream cheese plus 1/4 cup milk, or make a roux-based cheese sauce using 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup milk, then add shredded cheese.

Conclusion

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and velvety cheese sauce with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, prompting second helpings and requests for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, contributing to a potluck, or simply craving a hearty meal that delivers on flavor and satisfaction, this Southern classic delivers every time. From its bubbling cheese topping to the spicy, creamy goodness beneath, every bite offers the perfect balance of comfort and excitement.

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