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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

5 from 11 reviews

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for family dinners. Combining tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a blend of savory seasonings, it’s topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon for a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy & Creaminess

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 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 ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti until it is just al dente, meaning it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
  4. Add Chicken, Cheese, and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, making sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the crumbled cooked bacon.
  6. Bake Covered then Uncovered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for shredded chicken to save time.
  • The ranch seasoning mix adds a lot of flavor, but reduce the added salt if using a low-sodium soup.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

Nutrition

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