Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Indulge in Creamy Southern Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming dish of Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake. Picture it: tender spaghetti enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce topped with crispy bacon – an irresistible combination for the senses. From busy weeknights to cozy family gatherings, this recipe has garnered rave reviews for its hearty flavor and easy prep. It’s a comforting classic that not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why spend your precious time cooking when you can create a dish that checks all the boxes for satisfaction? This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a true crowd-pleaser! It combines the richness of cream cheese and sour cream with a delightful hint of ranch seasoning, making it a standout at any dinner table. It’s quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and hits the spot — especially for picky eaters!

"This dish has become a staple in our home! Everyone loves it, and it’s so easy to make. It’s perfect for a busy night or when friends come over!" — Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making this delightful bake is simpler than you might think! You’ll start by preparing your spaghetti and a creamy sauce, then combine everything seamlessly before letting the oven work its magic. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

1. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente.
2. Mix together a creamy sauce with ranch flavors.
3. Fold in the cooked chicken and cheese, along with the spaghetti.
4. Bake until golden and bubbly!

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need:

• 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)

Tip: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can customize a blend using garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of dill.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, drain it, and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the drained spaghetti until everything is well-coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top it with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

To elevate your dining experience with Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another excellent choice to complement the creamy textures of the bake. You may even consider adding some steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal.

Best Way to Store Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it’s freezer-friendly! Just ensure it’s well-sealed to avoid freezer burn, and it can last up to three months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through, making sure it’s steaming hot to ensure food safety.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Cooking Chicken: If you’re short on cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
2. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
3. Avoid Overcooking the Spaghetti: Since the pasta continues to cook while baking, aim for al dente.

Creative Twists

Give this dish a personal touch! You can add sautéed bell peppers for crunch or mix in some spinach for greens. For a spicy kick, try incorporating jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also substitute the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter version.

FAQ

What is the preparation time for this dish?

Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and total cooking time, including baking, is around 40–50 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and layer it in your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I freeze this spaghetti bake?

To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth of this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake as it becomes a beloved addition to your family’s recipe collection!

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting dish of tender spaghetti enveloped in a creamy cheesy sauce topped with crispy bacon, perfect for any family gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, drain it, and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the drained spaghetti until everything is well-coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top it with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.

Notes

For variations, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach. Substitute bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: spaghetti, bake, creamy, southern, comfort food