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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/creamy-southern-spaghetti-bake-recipe/