Hey there, busy friend! Let’s get real. Some nights, you just need a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss. This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. I’m Lina, and I live for these 30-minute miracles. We’re using smart shortcuts and one dish for maximum efficiency. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this recipe because it saves you precious time and energy. First, we use rotisserie chicken. That’s a huge time-saver. Next, everything comes together in one dish. Minimal cleanup is a game-changer. Finally, the spicy kick wakes up your taste buds. This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is your new weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients. Notice the clever shortcuts. They make all the difference. Ingredients You’ll Need Gather these simple ingredients. Notice the clever shortcuts. They make all the difference. Check out our Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for a delicious meal.
| Ingredient | Notes & Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| 8 oz spaghetti | Break in half for easier mixing |
| 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken | The ultimate time-saver! |
| 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup | Adds creamy richness instantly |
| 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) | Brings the spice and tang |
| 1 cup chicken broth | Use low-sodium if preferred |
| 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese | Plus extra for topping |
| 1/2 cup diced onion | Frozen works great to save time |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Or use minced garlic from a jar |
| 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) | Adjust to your heat preference |
| Salt and black pepper to taste |
Substitutions & Variations
No time for a grocery run? No problem. Use what you have on hand. Ingredient Notes & Shortcuts 8 oz spaghetti Break in half for easier mixing 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken The ultimate time-saver! 1 (10.5 oz) Swap the protein. Use canned chicken or leftover turkey. It works beautifully. Consider using our Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe for a quick meal.
Swap the protein. Use canned chicken or leftover turkey. It works beautifully.
Change the pasta. Penne or rotini are excellent alternatives.
Adjust the spice level. Omit the cayenne for a milder dish. Alternatively, add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Try different cheeses. A Monterey Jack blend or pepper jack adds a delicious twist.
Add more veggies. Throw in some frozen corn or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps. You’ll have dinner ready in a flash. Step-by-Step Instructions Follow these simple steps. You’ll have dinner ready in a flash. For a complete recipe, visit Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Next, break the spaghetti in half. Place it in the baking dish. Now, add the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, half of the cheddar cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix Well: Then, stir everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated. Make sure the liquid distributes evenly.
- Cover and Bake: After that, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Uncover it. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Finally, return it to the oven, uncovered, for 5-10 more minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble.
- Serve Immediately: Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Maximize your efficiency with these smart strategies.
Multitask Like a Pro: While the casserole bakes, whip up a quick side salad. You’ll have a complete meal ready simultaneously.
Meal Prep Magic: Shred the rotisserie chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This step shaves off precious minutes on a busy night.
Break the Pasta: Always break the spaghetti before mixing. It makes serving so much easier.
Check for Doneness: The spaghetti should be al dente. If it needs more time, add a splash of broth and bake for another 5 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This casserole stores beautifully for future meals.
Let the casserole cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
For longer storage, you can freeze this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Keep your sides simple and fast.
A crisp, green salad is the perfect companion. Use a bag of pre-washed greens to save time.
Garlic bread is always a hit. Use frozen garlic bread or toast some baguette slices with butter and garlic powder.
Steamed green beans or broccoli are great for a veggie boost. The microwave steam bags make this incredibly easy.
FAQs
Can I make this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
No worries! You can use 2 cups of any cooked, shredded chicken. Leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken (drained) works in a pinch.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are all excellent choices. The cooking time remains roughly the same.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead of the tomatoes with green chilies. Also, omit the cayenne pepper. It will still be incredibly flavorful.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
It sure is! Follow the freezing instructions above for a ready-made meal on your busiest days.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Makes 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~385 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 25g |
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Southern-style comfort food. Made with rotisserie chicken, spaghetti, and a hint of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies, this quick casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup diced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Break the spaghetti in half and place it in the dish.
3. Add shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, half of the cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, uncover, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Break spaghetti before mixing for easier serving.
To reduce spice, omit cayenne and use plain diced tomatoes.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day before baking.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg