Name: Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 12 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), drained; 1 small onion, finely chopped; ½ cup diced green bell pepper; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hey y'all! If you’re craving a comforting, spicy, and utterly irresistible meal, this Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy sauce wraps tender chicken and spaghetti in a cozy, Southern-inspired hug—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a dish that brings folks running to the table. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh staples.
Packs a savory, spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
Cheesy, creamy texture that's the epitome of comfort food.
Endlessly customizable with easy swaps for your favorite flavors.

Ingredients for Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 large breasts)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
½ cup finely diced yellow onion
½ cup finely diced green bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing veggies)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Mix Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both soups, sour cream, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Stir in sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, 1 cup cheddar, and all of the Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Add cooked spaghetti to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly mixed and coated in sauce.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection

Bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes until casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving hot.

Notes for Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Rotisserie chicken is a stellar shortcut; just remove the skin and shred for super juicy results.
If you want to cut the spice, use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel or skip the cayenne.
For more hearty casserole tips, see Taste of Home’s Chicken Casserole Collection.

Variations: Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless meal.
Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for more kick.
Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a lighter version.

Required Equipment for Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowls
9x13-inch baking dish
Spatula or large spoon
Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)

Storage Instructions: Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Let leftover casserole cool to room temperature.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until hot.

Suggested Pairings & How to Serve Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette.
Serve warm with old-fashioned buttery cornbread or Texas toast.
Brighten up your table with roasted asparagus or simple steamed broccoli.

Pro Tips for Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Don't overcook your pasta—keep it slightly underdone so it holds up during baking (Learn More About Pasta Cooking).
Shred your own cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce (bagged cheese often contains anti-caking agents).
Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it set and keep its creamy texture. For more cheesy techniques, check this guide to melting cheese.

FAQ: Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?: Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well and is a great way to use up holiday extras.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?: Yes! Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Is this casserole spicy?: It's got a little kick, but you can adjust the heat by using mild Rotel or omitting the cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe | Spicy and Irresistible