The ultimate fusion of Southern comfort and creamy pasta, this Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal with just the right kick of heat. Tender shredded chicken, velvety cheese, and bold seasonings combine for a satisfying dish your whole family will crave.
Perfect for weeknights or weekend potlucks, this recipe is loaded with flavor and comes together with pantry staples. The addition of Rotel gives it a zesty twist, while the sour cream and cream of chicken soup create that luscious, creamy texture Southern casseroles are known for. One bite, and it might just become your new go-to comfort dish.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the baking dish
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
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Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole So Special
Southern cuisine is all about comfort, hospitality, and rich flavors—and nothing embodies those qualities quite like a warm, bubbling casserole coming straight out of the oven. The Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved dish that checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and deeply satisfying. This casserole is not just food—it’s an experience. It’s a throwback to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, to community potlucks, to that unmistakable aroma that fills the house and says, “You’re home.”
This casserole recipe is the perfect example of how Southern cooks take simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and turn them into something mouthwateringly good. It elevates spaghetti from a basic pasta night into a comforting, layered dish bursting with flavor and texture. It’s creamy yet savory, familiar yet full of personality, and undeniably crowd-pleasing.
The Southern Flavor Profile in One Dish
At its heart, this dish is a love letter to classic Southern flavors. The base of the casserole is built on a creamy foundation using ingredients like cream of chicken soup and sour cream, which add a luscious richness and bind all the components together. A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) brings a mild kick that balances the creaminess perfectly, offering that signature Southern zip.
What really makes this casserole stand out is the seasoning profile. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper layer in flavor without overpowering the dish. The result is a casserole that’s warm and comforting with just enough spice to make things interesting. Add a generous helping of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and you’ve got a dish that melts hearts as easily as it melts in your mouth.
A Celebration of Southern Hospitality
Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a celebration of togetherness. In Southern culture, food is love, and casseroles are often the centerpiece of that love. Whether you’re bringing it to a church potluck, a neighborhood gathering, or preparing it as a freezer meal for a new parent or someone recovering from surgery, this casserole sends a message of care and comfort.
It’s also an extremely versatile dish, meaning it’s suitable for all sorts of gatherings. You can double it for large family get-togethers, prepare it ahead of time for busy weeknights, or even portion it out for easy weekday lunches. Because it’s such a well-balanced combination of protein, carbs, and dairy, it can easily serve as a complete one-dish meal, making your life that much easier.
Perfect for Meal Prepping and Make-Ahead Convenience
This casserole is a dream when it comes to meal prepping. You can assemble the whole dish in advance and either refrigerate it for baking the next day or freeze it for up to three months. That makes it ideal for busy families who want to avoid weeknight chaos or for anyone looking to plan ahead for holidays or special events.
Leftovers store exceptionally well, too. In fact, some would argue the flavors get even better the next day as everything settles and melds. Reheat a slice for lunch or serve it again for dinner with a quick side salad or steamed veggies—it reheats like a champ and tastes just as satisfying.
How to Customize Your Casserole
One of the beauties of Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is its adaptability. While the traditional version includes shredded chicken, you could easily substitute cooked turkey, pulled pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Want to make it even spicier? Add diced jalapeños, extra cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
If you’re aiming for more vegetables, consider mixing in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers. These additions won’t interfere with the creamy texture, and they’ll add color, nutrients, and depth. You can also experiment with different cheeses—sharp cheddar adds a more intense bite, while pepper jack can amplify the heat.
Need a gluten-free version? Simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check your canned ingredients (many condensed soups have gluten). Prefer a lighter version? Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat pasta to make it slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
While the casserole is delicious all on its own, you can elevate the meal with a few thoughtful pairings. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the cheese and cream, providing balance to the plate. Garlic bread or Southern-style cornbread are both fantastic sides that complement the flavors and add some crunch or crumbly contrast.
For drinks, sweet iced tea is a Southern classic that never fails to satisfy. A cold beer or a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio also pairs beautifully with the cheesy, spicy notes of the casserole.
And don’t forget dessert! If you’re keeping the theme Southern, serve a slice of pecan pie, banana pudding, or peach cobbler to round out the meal.
Nutritional Comfort without Compromise
While casseroles don’t typically scream “healthy,” this one offers a decent nutritional profile, especially when compared to takeout or overly processed frozen meals. You’re getting a good balance of protein from the chicken, calcium from the cheese, and carbohydrates from the pasta. By incorporating low-sodium soup or adding vegetables, you can further tailor it to your dietary needs.
Portion control is easy too—since the casserole is so rich and satisfying, a small serving goes a long way. It’s also a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into a family meal without making it feel like a chore.
Why This Recipe Is Always a Winner
There’s a reason why this dish is one of the most beloved casseroles across the South—it has everything people love about homemade food. It’s warm, comforting, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting. It’s also incredibly easy to make and flexible enough to suit different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs.
Unlike other pasta dishes, the spaghetti in this casserole soaks up all the creamy goodness and holds together beautifully when baked, delivering a delightful texture in every forkful. The chicken adds substance, while the cheese gives it that golden, gooey top everyone fights over at the dinner table.
Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means it doesn’t require a fancy trip to the store—most of it can be found in your pantry or fridge already, making it budget-friendly and practical.
Conclusion: A Casserole That Brings People Together
Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. It’s a dish that feeds more than just stomachs; it nourishes the soul. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a friend in need of comfort, this casserole always delivers. It’s dependable, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, which is everything you could ask for in a family-friendly recipe.
Once you’ve made it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent fixture in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that people remember, request, and come back for time and time again. In a world full of complex recipes and food trends, the humble Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole proves that classic comfort food never goes out of style.