If you are craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers bold Southern comfort in every bite. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a gentle kick of spice come together in one bubbling baked dish that feels both familiar and exciting. It is the kind of recipe that turns weeknight dinners into something special while still being simple enough for busy days.
This casserole is rich without being heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and flexible enough to adapt to your family’s taste. Whether you are feeding a hungry household, prepping a make-ahead meal, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe checks every box.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This casserole is beloved for good reason. It brings together comfort, flavor, and practicality in one dish.
First, it is incredibly easy to make. You cook the pasta, stir together a creamy sauce, combine everything, and bake. No complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
Second, the flavor is outstanding. The creamy cheeses balance the warmth of Cajun seasoning and tomatoes with green chiles, giving you a Southern-inspired dish that feels hearty and satisfying.
Third, it is versatile. You can dial the heat up or down, swap cheeses, or use leftover chicken. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
Finally, it is a true family favorite. Kids love the cheesy pasta, while adults appreciate the subtle spice and savory depth.
Ingredients for Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chicken options
Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and saves time. You can also use baked, poached, or slow-cooked chicken breasts or thighs.
Cheese swaps
If you like a sharper flavor, add a little pepper jack cheese. For a milder casserole, use Colby Jack or mild cheddar.
Heat control
For a mild version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Healthier swaps
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk if desired. Whole wheat spaghetti can also be used for added fiber.
Family-friendly assurance
This recipe contains no alcohol and no pork. All ingredients are suitable for family meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to soften while baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat slightly. Add the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Tomatoes
Fold in the cooked chicken and the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until every strand is well coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook the spaghetti just to al dente so it does not become mushy after baking.
- Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce for a smoother texture.
- Drain the tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- Taste the sauce before combining and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let the casserole rest briefly after baking so it sets and slices more easily.
Flavor Variations
- Extra spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Smoky twist: Use smoked chicken or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Creamier style: Add an extra 1/2 cup shredded cheese into the sauce itself.
- Crunchy topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a few sides makes the meal feel complete.
Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus also work well. For a true Southern-style spread, add warm garlic bread or simple dinner rolls on the side.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Freezer
This casserole freezes well. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10 to 15 minutes if needed.
Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cozy, crowd-pleasing chicken spaghetti casserole packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a gentle Cajun kick. Simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with a crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cook the pasta just to al dente and drain tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture. Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQ About Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the Cajun seasoning and whether you use red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat to suit your preference by increasing or reducing the seasonings.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. While spaghetti is traditional, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini. Just cook it to al dente before combining.
What is the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a great balance of flavor and meltability. You can experiment with Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if desired.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce before baking and avoid overbaking. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Easy Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is everything a comfort food classic should be. It is creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Best of all, it is easy to make and endlessly adaptable, making it a recipe you will return to again and again.
Whether you are serving it for a family dinner, preparing meals ahead, or sharing with friends, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.