Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a heartwarming dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe combines tender spaghetti with creamy, rich ingredients and savory chicken, topped with cheese and crispy bacon. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
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)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, Parmesan, and cooked spaghetti.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and crumbled bacon.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Serve the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake warm from the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. If you want to add more crunch, a side of steamed vegetables works great too.
How to Store Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- For an extra kick, consider adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Serving Ideas
You can serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of extra parsley can add a pop of color and freshness on top.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together familiar flavors in a new way. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
2. What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake.
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti Cook until just al dente
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken can be used
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened Ensure it's softened for easy mixing
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) 1½ cups mixed in, remaining for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, Parmesan, and cooked spaghetti.
Baking
- Pour mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and crumbled bacon.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
