Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

If you’re searching for a meal packed with comfort, flavor, and a hint of heat, look no further than this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a soul-warming classic reimagined—creamy, cheesy pasta laced with tender chicken and just the right kick to keep everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to serve a hearty meal that’s always a crowd pleaser.

Why Make This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a standout for its perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness. The addition of green chilies and a touch of Cajun seasoning amplify the southern character, while the baked, bubbly top guarantees an irresistible bite every time. It’s simple to assemble, feeds a crowd, and delivers bold flavor in every forkful—a winning recipe for busy weeknights and gatherings alike.

Mastering the Spicy, Creamy Sauce

The real magic of this casserole is the velvety, spicy sauce that envelops every strand of spaghetti. Cream of chicken soup blends with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and tangy cream cheese to create depth and richness. A blend of sharp cheddar brings that stretchy, melty top everyone loves. Customize the heat to your preference by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or choosing mild or hot green chilies.

Layering Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Start by tossing cooked spaghetti with the spicy sauce and juicy shredded chicken. Mix in sautéed onions and bell peppers for that essential southern depth, then pour everything into a casserole dish. Top generously with cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbling. The result? Layers of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that meld into comfort-food perfection.

Serving Suggestions for a Southern Crowd Pleaser

Serve your spicy chicken spaghetti casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich flavors. Add cornbread or garlic toast for soaking up extra sauce. For gatherings, pair it with sweet tea or lemonade—a true Southern touch—and offer hot sauce on the side for spice lovers.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 6 to 8 hearty servings. Each serving typically offers about 420–480 calories, with a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fat. The casserole also provides a dose of vitamins from bell peppers and tomatoes. Enjoy as an indulgent main dish for a fulfilling meal.

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Recap)

This casserole captures the best of Southern comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and boldly seasoned. With its spicy kick and family-friendly appeal, it’s destined to become a go-to favorite for meals that bring everyone to the table.

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended and creamy. (Heat gently if needed to melt cream cheese.)
5. Fold in the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
8. Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This spicy casserole holds up beautifully for meal prep and busy weeknights. Save and schedule this recipe within your weekly meal planner to optimize grocery trips and never miss an ingredient.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredients across all scheduled recipes
• Organizes your shopping list by store section—no more zig-zagging the aisles
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Keeps your week’s meals organized, efficient, and on budget

Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes and let CookifyAI show you overlapping ingredients—so you buy exactly what you need and cut down on waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy the spicy comfort of Southern cooking, made incredibly easy and delicious!