If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that brings just the right kick, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti is about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender strands of pasta loaded with juicy chicken, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and pepped up with zesty tomatoes and a whisper of spice. This casserole is pure cozy indulgence, perfect for family dinners or prepping ahead for a busy week, and every bite is a bold, creamy celebration. Let’s get cooking—you’ll see why Spicy Chicken Spaghetti deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation!

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long grocery list to make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti shine—just a handful of everyday favorites, each with a key role in taste, texture, or that irresistible melty finish. Every ingredient plays its part in building layers of comfort and just the right touch of heat.

Butter: Sautéing onions in butter gives a rich, silky base that makes the sauce extra luscious.
Sweet Onion: Chopped onion adds gentle sweetness and depth to balance the heat.
Seasoned Salt: This simple spice mix instantly lifts all the flavors, giving everything a savory pop.
Garlic Powder: A fuss-free flavor booster that melds beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to a velvety, comforting sauce—no need to make a roux from scratch!
Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These bring both bright tomato flavor and that signature spicy edge.
Pasteurized Cheese Product (cubed): The classic for creamy melt-factor; it keeps the sauce smooth and dreamy.
Milk: Just enough to keep things loose and makes your sauce perfectly pourable.
Chopped Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or roasted breasts work great—just make sure it’s bite-sized and juicy.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked adds lovely background warmth; add to your own heat tolerance.
Spaghetti (cooked): The base that ties the whole bake together; make sure it’s not too soft so it stands up in the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A gooey, golden finish when melted on top—because you can never have too much cheese.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Get that casserole dish ready by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks. Having everything prepped ahead—like chopping your cooked chicken and onion—makes assembly a total breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Melt your butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped sweet onion and let it cook, stirring every now and then, for 4 to 5 minutes. The onion will become soft and fragrant, building a rich base for your Spicy Chicken Spaghetti sauce as it picks up all those buttery flavors.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Add the seasoned salt and garlic powder straight into the pan with the onions, letting them bloom for a few moments. Stir in the condensed chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, pasteurized cheese cubes, and milk. Keep stirring gently as the cheese melts into the mix, transforming everything into a glossy, creamy sauce packed with zesty personality.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

It’s time to fold in those juicy chunks of cooked chicken. Give everything a good stir so the chicken gets thoroughly coated, then add black pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust the heat just how you like it—add a little more if you’re a true spice fan!

Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti

Blend in your al dente cooked spaghetti, using tongs or a big spoon to make sure every noodle gets wrapped in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Transfer this gorgeous mixture to your prepped baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite bakes up perfectly.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, letting all the flavors meld and the cheese get extra gooey. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle cheddar cheese right over the top. Put it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden—your Spicy Chicken Spaghetti is ready to serve!

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

A little finishing touch takes Spicy Chicken Spaghetti from good to unforgettable! Sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for fresh color, or add sliced green onions for a gentle bite. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is perfect if you crave even more fire.

Side Dishes

Pair this cozy casserole with something crisp and simple, like a green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for perfect sauce-mopping. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are great choices for a little nutritional balance alongside the creamy, spicy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or potluck, try portioning Spicy Chicken Spaghetti into ramekins or small ovenproof dishes—individual servings feel extra special. Or, serve it family-style right from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own cheesy helping. For a rustic touch, pop the casserole onto a trivet in the center of the table and let the compliments roll in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors get even cozier after a night in the fridge. Just let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Yes, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti freezes like a dream! Use a freezer-safe dish or container, and make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. For best texture, freeze before baking (just leave off the cheddar topping until ready to bake). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

For single servings, microwave on medium until steaming hot, stirring halfway through. If you’re reheating a bigger batch, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it seems a little dry. Top with fresh cheese or herbs just before serving for best flavor!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti makes for a traditional texture, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or any short pasta like penne or rotini. Just be sure to cook your pasta to al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

How can I make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti even spicier?

Crank up the heat by adding extra diced green chilies, using a hot variety of Rotel, or mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also top each serving with sliced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for a bold finish.

Is it possible to make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover securely, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What kind of chicken works best in this recipe?

Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and juicy flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken—baked, poached, grilled, or even canned in a pinch. Just be sure to chop or shred it for the best texture.

Can I make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?

You can! Swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup. The rest of the ingredients should be safe, but check labels just to be certain.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti is one of those dishes that wins everyone over with its creamy, zesty, comforting charm. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, you’ll love both how easy it is and how much everyone raves about the results. Try it once and you’ll come back for seconds—then thirds!

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in a large nonstick pan. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, chicken soup, tomatoes, pasteurized cheese product, and milk.

Cook, stirring constantly until cheese is melted.

Fold in chicken.

Season to taste with pepper.

Fold in spaghetti and pour into a greased 9X13-inch casserole dish.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Uncover dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Return to oven and bake uncovered for 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Pasta Bake, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti