If there’s one thing I know about weeknight dinners, it’s that they need to check a few boxes: quick, comforting, and guaranteed to keep the whole family from asking, “What’s for dinner?” five minutes after eating. That’s exactly why this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole has become a staple in my kitchen.

It’s the kind of creamy casserole that makes you feel hugged from the inside out—oozing with melty cheddar, tender chicken, and just the right amount of kick from cayenne and paprika. Think of it as Southern comfort food dressed up with a little sass.

And let’s be honest—between busy schedules, picky eaters, and the eternal quest to serve something beyond takeout pizza, we all need a family dinner recipe that can do some heavy lifting. This casserole is easy enough for a Tuesday but tasty enough to pull out for Sunday supper when the whole gang is around.

So grab that casserole dish, friend—because tonight, we’re making a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

It’s a cheesy baked pasta that satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
A spicy chicken pasta that isn’t overwhelming—just a warm, gentle kick.
Perfect as a family dinner recipe that makes enough for leftovers.
Ready in under an hour (yes, you read that right!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ cup green onions, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the spaghetti: Boil in salted water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
Mix it up: In a big bowl, combine shredded chicken, spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half the cheddar. Stir until everything is coated.
Bake: Spread mixture in your casserole dish. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheddar. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions.

Cooking Tips for the Best Casserole

Spice it your way: If your crew prefers mild flavors, cut the cayenne in half. If they like it fiery, double it!
Cheese swap: Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a fun twist to the cheesy topping.
Veggie boost: Toss in some mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach. The kids may not notice under all that cheesy goodness.
Make ahead: Prep everything earlier in the day, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Dinner without the stress—yes, please!
Don’t skip the rest time: That 5-minute pause after baking helps the casserole firm up, so you’re not scooping soupy pasta onto plates.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, I had no idea it would become one of my family’s all-time favorites. My husband took one bite, leaned back in his chair, and said, “Now this… this is the kind of dinner I want every week.” (High praise, considering he’s usually the “just add hot sauce” type!)

Even my kids—who tend to treat anything remotely spicy like it’s lava—dug right in. The creamy casserole base balances the heat beautifully, making it approachable for everyone at the table. It’s one of those dishes I now make for family gatherings, potlucks, and those nights when I need a little taste of Southern comfort food to brighten my mood.

Food has a funny way of bringing people together, and this recipe does exactly that. Every time I make it, I think back to that first night, laughing at how something so simple could instantly become a tradition.

What to Serve with Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with lighter sides makes the whole meal feel balanced. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the creaminess. Garlic bread or homemade biscuits are also fantastic if you want to lean all the way into the comfort food vibe.

If you’re entertaining, roasted green beans or glazed carrots add a pop of color (and make your plate Instagram-worthy without even trying). And for dessert? Something simple but sweet, like peach cobbler or banana pudding, rounds out the Southern theme.

It’s also one of those casseroles that doesn’t really need much else—so if all you’ve got time for is a slice of buttered cornbread on the side, you’re golden.

How to Store Leftovers

Good news: this casserole reheats like a dream. Simply let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until hot.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just wrap individual portions in foil, slip them into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, let thaw in the fridge overnight before baking gently in the oven.

Pro tip: if you know you’ll be freezing some, undercook the pasta by a minute. That way it won’t get mushy after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver and works perfectly in this family dinner recipe.

Can I swap the cream of chicken soup for something else?

Yes—you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this casserole less spicy?

Of course. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and you’ll still have a creamy casserole full of flavor.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes! This cheesy baked pasta freezes beautifully. Just remember to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Bringing It All Together

When life gets busy (and when isn’t it?), having a dish like Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in your back pocket is a real gift. It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings that Southern comfort food warmth straight to your table.

Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, hosting friends, or simply craving a cosy night in, this spicy chicken pasta delivers every single time. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.

So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make—remember this casserole. Quick, creamy, and downright irresistible, it’s a recipe worth repeating.

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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta with tender chicken, bell peppers, and a gentle kick of cayenne and paprika. This Southern-inspired comfort food is quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough for Sunday supper or potlucks. Melty cheddar and seasoned spaghetti make this casserole irresistible for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ cup green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
Cook chicken: Sear chicken breasts in a skillet for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
Cook spaghetti: Boil in salted water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half the cheddar. Stir to coat.
Bake: Spread mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper.

Substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a twist.

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.

Prep ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake (add 10 extra minutes to baking time).

Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: Baked casserole
Cuisine: Southern American

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic with a Kick