Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

You’ve had spaghetti. You’ve had chicken. You’ve probably even had a casserole.

But you haven’t lived until you’ve tried this unholy trinity of deliciousness. This isn’t your grandma’s church potluck recipe—unless your grandma is a certified flavor rebel with a penchant for spice.

We’re talking about a dish that solves the “what’s for dinner” problem for days. It’s the culinary equivalent of a mic drop.

It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and it packs a punch that’ll wake up your taste buds from their sad, flavorless slumber. Why settle for boring when you can have legendary?

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This casserole is a masterclass in texture and flavor. The creamy, cheesy sauce clings to every strand of pasta.

The tender chicken provides a hearty base. And the spicy kick? That’s the secret weapon.

It’s the ultimate comfort food with an attitude.

It’s ridiculously easy to make, feeds a crowd, and the leftovers might be even better than the first serving. It’s the kind of dish that gets you marriage proposals and recipe requests.

Ingredients

Gather these heroes. This is for a standard 9×13 casserole dish that will generously serve 6-8 people.

• 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, any color, diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

   Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents a cheesy cement situation later.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, but aim for al dente. It’s going to bake more, so you don’t want mushy noodles.
   

   Drain it and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavor foundation you can’t skip.
4. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream of chicken soup, Rotel, green chilies, chicken broth, sour cream, Velveeta, and all your spices.
   

   Stir constantly until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine Everything: In a massive bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, shredded chicken, and your cheesy sauce mixture. Stir until every single noodle is coated in gloriousness. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake: Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.
   

   Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Because more cheese is always the answer.

7. Finish It: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully bubbly and slightly golden brown.
8. Rest: Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
   

   This allows it to set up so you get clean slices instead of a cheesy lava flow.

Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely to room temperature. Do not leave it on the counter for more than two hours.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Place them in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Benefits of This Recipe

This is a one-dish wonder.

Minimal cleanup is a major win for anyone who hates doing dishes. It’s also incredibly cost-effective, especially if you use a leftover rotisserie chicken.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends. It’s the definition of a satisfying, no-fuss meal that delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort.

IMO, it’s a perfect recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: You will bake it again. Mushy spaghetti is a tragedy. Cook it al dente, or even a minute under.

Skipping the veggie sauté: Throwing raw onion and pepper into the mix gives them zero chance to develop sweetness and flavor.

Don’t be lazy.

Not letting it rest: Cutting into it straight from the oven sends sauce everywhere. Let it set for 10 minutes. Your presentation (and clean stove) will thank you.

Alternatives

Not a fan of spice?

Use a can of mild Rotel or even just plain diced tomatoes. You can swap the Velveeta for more cream cheese or a nacho cheese soup for a similar creamy effect.

Want to go veggie? Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.

Load it up with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. For a different pasta, try penne or rigatoni—they hold sauce well.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

My sauce seems too thick. What should I do?

No panic required. Just stir in a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

The pasta will also absorb some liquid as it bakes.

How can I make this spicier?

You have options, you heat seeker. Add a diced jalapeño (seeds included) when you sauté the veggies. Kick up the cayenne pepper.

Or, stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture. FYI, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it out.

What can I serve with this?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or some garlic bread are classic sides. Something cool and crisp like a salad helps balance the richness and spice of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just food; it’s an experience.

It’s the recipe you’ll be asked to bring to every single gathering forever. It’s reliable, deeply flavorful, and proves that sometimes the best things in life are cheesy, spicy, and baked in a dish.

Stop wondering if it’s good. Make it.

Your future self, happily eating leftovers for lunch, will be proud of the decision you made today.

Print