Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

I remember the evening clearly. After a long day of juggling work emails, soccer practice pickups, and trying to convince myself I would really get to the gym, I walked into the kitchen knowing I needed something fast. I dug through my freezer, found some leftover roasted chicken, and thought: “Why not whip up something warm, comforting, and bold tonight?” That’s how I stumbled into creating the recipe for Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. And let me tell you this casserole quickly becomes the family favorite every time I serve it. It hits all the right notes: a little bit of heat, a lot of comfort, and enough flexibility to call it one of my go‑to Fast Dinner Recipes.

Whether you’re craving a breezy weeknight meal or want to impress without hours of prep, this dish brings together the best of Pollo Loco, Baked Chicken Spaghetti, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, and classic Mac And Cheese vibes all rolled into one hearty casserole. So let’s dig in, shall we?

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

This recipe checks so many boxes: it’s part Chicken Dinner Recipes, part comfort food, yet still in the realm of Easy Casserole Recipes. When I say “spicy southern,” I mean you’re getting that little southern kick (hello paprika, cayenne, maybe a little hot sauce) while still staying home‑cook friendly. If you’ve ever ordered something like Pollo Loco styled chicken and wondered how to re‑create that at home, this is your moment.

It’s not just about flavor, either. Because we’re layering shredded chicken, spaghetti, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it gives you that satisfying feeling of Baked Chicken Spaghetti and Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. And yes, there’s pasta so you get a bit of Mac And Cheese comfort without going full heavy guilt. Busy weeknight? Check. Family friendly? Check. Taste‑bud approved? Huge check.

Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This spicy Southern-style casserole combines shredded chicken, bold seasoning, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible — your new go-to for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta you love
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken leftover rotisserie works great
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz can, drained
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or pepper jack for more heat

See also  Delicious and Healthy Buffalo Chicken dip Recipe

Optional Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs optional
• 2 tbsp melted butter if using breadcrumbs

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large skillet
• 9×13 casserole dish
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook spaghetti until just under al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add chicken, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything well.
4. Pour in chicken broth, cream, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Fold in cooked spaghetti to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter (if using) and sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne or using pepper jack cheese. Store leftovers up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months after baking and cooling.

Ingredients

(Everything scaled for a 9×13 casserole dish; serves ~6‑8)

• 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you love)
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie works great!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half if you want lighter)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or pepper jack for extra heat)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices coat the chicken and veggies for about a minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture, folding gently to coat all the pasta and chicken. At this point, you’re already halfway to a delicious Baked Chicken Spaghetti.
6. Transfer the whole mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
7. If you like a crunchy topping (and who doesn’t on a casserole?), mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter together, then sprinkle that over the cheese layer.
8. Bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping (if used) is golden brown.
9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. That little rest lets everything set and prevents your dish from being a molten lava of cheese when you cut into it.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Leftover chicken? Use it! This recipe is perfect for pulling from your stash just shred and go. That’s why it qualifies as one of those Fast Dinners you’ll want in your arsenal.
• Spice level: Want it mild? Cut the cayenne in half or skip it entirely. Want extra heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
• Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt (fold in at the end off the heat) if you want to lighten it. Use gluten‑free pasta if needed. This flexibility is part of what makes it a favorite among my Chicken Dishes Recipes.
• Cheese pull: For maximum ooey‑gooey cheese, undercook the pasta by a minute, so that final bake melts everything together properly.
• Leftovers: Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave and maybe add a splash of milk if it’s dry.

A Personal Note

This dish became my secret weapon for those nights when I looked at the clock and realized: “Oops, it’s 6:15 and we’re all hungry.” One particularly stressful evening, I walked in to find my kids arguing over what to eat and my partner still on a conference call. I pulled the shredded chicken from the fridge, threw together the sauce, pasta, cheese boom. Thirty minutes later, we were all digging into a warm, spicy casserole that had everyone asking for seconds. From then on, whenever I mention Fast Dinner Recipes, this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the one I pull out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I substitute a different protein for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ?
Yes you can but since this recipe is built around shredded chicken, using turkey or even shredded pork might slightly alter the texture or flavor in the sauce. It still works though for your Chicken Dinner Recipes craving.

What if I don’t have diced tomatoes with green chilies?
No problem! Use plain diced tomatoes and add an extra dash of cayenne or some chopped fresh jalapeños for that south‑of‑the‑border flair. You’ll still hit the feel of this Pollo Loco‑inspired casserole.

How can I store leftovers?
Cover the casserole dish or transfer extras into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat at 350°F for about 10‑15 minutes or microwave in individual servings, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. After baking, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover securely and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. This makes it a heavy‑duty member of your Easy Casserole Recipes rotation.

What sides pair well with it?
Since the casserole is rich and flavorful, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or even a side of garlic bread keep things balanced. And if kids are picky, keep one nibble‑safe side like carrot sticks on the table while the grown‑ups dig into the heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a go‑to for Fast Dinner Recipes, something that merges the comfort of Mac And Cheese with the savory punch of Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti and southern spice flair, your search is over. The Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings together all those elements Pollo Loco‑style boldness, the ease of Baked Chicken Spaghetti, and the heart‑warming vibes of Chicken Dinner Recipes. Give yourself 30 minutes, gather your ingredients, and let the oven do the magic. You deserve a dinner that satisfies, so you can relax, breathe, and finally sit down together kid stories, work tales, and all without stressing about what’s on the table. Try it tonight and watch how it becomes one of your most loved entries under Easy Casserole Recipes.

Here’s to one less thing on your busy slate and one more dish that brings joy.