It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug from your favorite aunt. This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food with a kick, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta all baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect answer to that “what’s for dinner?” question on a busy weeknight. Think of it as the love child of your best mac and cheese and a zesty chicken dish. It’s a staple in my kitchen because it’s forgiving, feeds a crowd, and just makes everyone happy. So good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s so, so easy. It’s one of those simple chicken recipes that comes together with minimal fuss, especially if you use a rotisserie chicken to save time. The flavors are bold and comforting, and that little bit of spice just wakes everything up. It’s a fantastic way to turn basic ingredients into a meal that feels special. This is the kind of easy meal you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for family dinners and potlucks alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti: The classic base that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: From a rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breasts for convenience.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: For a little crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that deep, aromatic flavor.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy, rich sauce base.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): The key to the “spicy” part!
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust this to control the heat level.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season everything perfectly.
Step-By-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This gets everything ready for our casserole.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. You want it to still have a little bite since it will cook more in the oven. Drain it well and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they’ve softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until it’s fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the sautéed onion and pepper mixture. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. It will look a bit soupy, but that’s perfect—the pasta will absorb it as it bakes.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. For a more golden-brown top, you can pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it closely!
- Let the casserole stand for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up so it’s easier to slice and serve.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of what makes it such a great quick and easy dinner recipe. A large pot for boiling the pasta, a large skillet for the veggies, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and a big mixing bowl are the main players. A colander for draining the pasta and a wooden spoon for mixing are also helpful.
Creative Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, you can use whole wheat pasta and low-sodium broth and soup. Not a fan of spice? Just leave out the cayenne and use a can of plain diced tomatoes. For a different flavor profile, swap the cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican blend cheese. You can also stir in some frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and veggie goodness. If you have some smoked turkey sausage on hand, slicing it and adding it in makes for a heartier meal. This is one of those healthy chicken recipes that you can easily make your own.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This casserole is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side can really round it out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to because it cuts through the richness perfectly. Some garlic bread or buttery cornbread muffins are also fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli work beautifully. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with just about anything.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully, making this a terrific make-ahead meal. Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, the best method is in the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. You can also reindividual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch; just add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Doneness Test
Knowing when your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is done is easy. The cheese on top will be completely melted and might have some golden spots. More importantly, you should see the sauce bubbling actively around the edges of the baking dish. That’s your sign that it’s heated all the way through and ready to come out. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting those few minutes for it to set before diving in!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this is a great way to use up other pasta shapes you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or rotini all work wonderfully in this shredded chicken recipe. Just be sure to cook whatever pasta you choose to al dente.
How can I make this ahead of time?
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal for easy meals. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Is there a way to make it less creamy?
If you prefer a less rich dish, you can substitute one can of cream of mushroom soup with an additional can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will lighten it up while keeping all the flavor, making it one of my go-to healthy dinner recipes when I want something a bit lighter.