Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon on top, it’s a satisfying twist on traditional pasta bake. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Fold in cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Step 7: Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
• Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for a nutritious boost.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. To maintain crispness, add fresh bacon on top after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade béchamel sauce seasoned with chicken broth for a fresher taste.

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole combining tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, this baked pasta dish makes a perfect family dinner that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti

Chicken and Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure even coating.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon on top.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Cook spaghetti just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
• Use cooked shredded chicken for convenience; rotisserie chicken works great.
• You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a softer texture and lower fat.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can increase the nutritional value and add texture.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the creamy mixture.

Keywords: southern spaghetti bake, creamy chicken casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta