Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a bold Southern twist, this Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce infused with spice, it’s baked to golden perfection with a blanket of gooey cheese. This casserole brings together the warmth of traditional Southern flavors and the indulgence of classic Italian pasta, creating a dish that feels both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping a weeknight dinner, or planning a potluck dish, this recipe delivers on taste and presentation every time.

My recipe story

The inspiration for this Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole came from my love of blending comfort foods. Growing up in the South, hearty casseroles were always a centerpiece on the dinner table—whether for Sunday dinners, church potlucks, or family reunions. At the same time, creamy Alfredo pasta was my go-to indulgence during busy school nights. One day, I decided to merge the two ideas: create a pasta bake that combined the richness of Alfredo with the boldness of Southern spices. The result was better than I imagined! Friends and family quickly started requesting it for gatherings, and over time, I refined the flavors to achieve the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and cheesy goodness. This recipe is not just food—it’s a piece of my story shared in every bite.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this casserole lies in the balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with bold seasonings. Penne pasta is the ideal base, holding onto the creamy sauce while baking perfectly al dente. Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes, offers a lean and hearty protein that absorbs the seasonings and sauce beautifully. Olive oil not only helps in sautéing the chicken but also adds a smooth undertone to the dish.

The Alfredo sauce is the heart of this recipe—made richer with cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of spice. Adding Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce elevates the traditional Alfredo into something exciting and unforgettable. A generous topping of mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible golden-brown finish, pulling together the pasta and sauce into one cohesive, comforting dish. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parsley add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for cooking chicken and preparing sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Oven mitts
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-step directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside, tossing lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun spices, and crushed red pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly, stirring continuously for 5–7 minutes.
4. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well so the sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more spice for an extra kick.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover with foil.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Variations & substitutions

This casserole is highly adaptable, which makes it fun to experiment with. Swap penne pasta for rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the sauce to cut down on richness. If you’re vegetarian, skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a satisfying twist.

Protein lovers can also use shrimp, spicy sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken to make the recipe even quicker. If you prefer less heat, scale back the Cajun seasoning and red pepper, or add more cheese to balance the spice. The dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives in the sauce.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This casserole stores beautifully, making it a lifesaver for meal prep. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For freezing, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until bubbly.

If you’re making ahead, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for fresh, bubbling perfection.

Serving ideas & pairings

Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides makes the flavors shine even brighter. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or cornbread also makes a great accompaniment. For beverages, a crisp iced tea, lemonade, or even a chilled white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy and spicy notes of the dish. To finish the meal, consider a light dessert such as fruit salad, lemon bars, or a refreshing sorbet.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! Store-bought Alfredo works well for convenience. You can add Cajun spices or hot sauce to boost the flavor.

How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is moderate, but it can be adjusted. Add more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your preference.

What cheese works best for the topping?
Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can be used for extra flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh before serving for the best results.

What can I substitute for chicken?
Shrimp, turkey, sausage, or even roasted vegetables make excellent alternatives.

Final thoughts

This Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right—creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s versatile enough to serve at weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings, and it’s sure to please both kids and adults. With simple ingredients, make-ahead convenience, and endless customization options, this casserole earns its spot as a go-to recipe in your collection. Try it once, and it just might become a new family tradition at your table.

Spicy Southern Chicken Alfredo Casserole

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

 Creamy Alfredo pasta baked with tender chicken, Cajun spices, and gooey cheese. A comforting Southern-inspired casserole with a kick.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat well in the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for cream. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern-American