Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Popular across Southern kitchens, this casserole is warm, filling, and ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for Southern heat)

• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following package directions. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to soften in the oven.

2. Prepare the Vegetables
   In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and sour cream. Mix until smooth. Add paprika, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning if using. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.

4. Assemble the Casserole Mixture
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture, followed by the sautéed vegetables and cooked chicken. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.

5. Add the Cheese
   Stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping. The cheese inside the casserole creates that signature creamy Southern texture.

6. Bake the Casserole
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

7. Final Bake
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is fully melted and lightly golden.

8. Rest and Serve
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or buttery biscuits. For extra Southern flair, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole also freezes well—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.