Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings all the rich flavors of the South into one irresistible meal, this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is exactly what you need on your table. With tender noodles swimming in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, complemented by shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheddar, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s a simple yet satisfying crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances creamy, savory, and cheesy elements, making it a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays an essential role in building the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake’s incredible flavor, texture, and color. From the sharpness of cheddar cheese to the smoky crunch of bacon, every component is thoughtfully chosen.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that holds the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Adds tender, protein-packed substance to keep the bake hearty.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that makes the sauce silky smooth.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Deepens the chicken flavor and helps bind everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tartness that lightens the heaviness of the cream cheese.
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix: Gives the dish a zesty, herbaceous punch that’s totally addictive.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the creaminess with a gentle kick of spice.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Offers a classic, melty cheesiness that blankets the bake in golden goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Introduces a smoky crunch and salty contrast to the creamy ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will have an even cooking surface to get that perfect golden top.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente — firm to the bite but not hard. Drain the pasta well to avoid watery sauce later, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the dreamy base of your bake.
Step 4: Fold in the Chicken, Cheese, and Spaghetti
Gently fold the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. The chicken adds meaty substance, while the cheeses melt into the pasta for luscious flavor and texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour the creamy spaghetti mixture into your greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, then scatter the crumbled bacon over it all. This layering ensures every bite is packed with cheesiness and smoky bacon goodness.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to gently meld the flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly, golden, and perfectly crisped. This step transforms the dish from creamy to decadently baked.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Allow the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake to rest for 5–10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple but effective garnish that adds a burst of green freshness, cutting through the richness with its subtle herb flavor. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle paprika or a little extra shredded cheddar just before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy, cheesy bake pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans with lemon zest balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside buttery dinner rolls to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dinner, serve the bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for fun, personal-sized portions. Another idea is to layer it with some roasted veggies for added color and texture. The golden, bubbly top makes this dish a total showstopper no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, it’s best to thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up in the oven for even heating and to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly, usually about 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, you can swap it for penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, since spaghetti typically contains gluten and the cream of chicken soup might have gluten additives. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup alternative.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies and leave out the bacon. Use a vegetarian cream soup to keep the flavor deep and comforting.
How spicy is this dish?
This bake is mild with a subtle herby kick from the ranch seasoning. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire bake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add the bacon on top before baking for the crispiest finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake that makes it feel like a warm, comforting celebration of Southern flavors. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites around your table. Give this recipe a go — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. This hearty dish combines the flavors of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and savory bacon for a delicious family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dairy & Sauces
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Mix Ingredients: Gently fold in the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Bake: Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then scatter the crumbled cooked bacon on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through thoroughly and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, enhancing the casserole’s texture and appearance.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the spaghetti bake rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven to set up. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked shredded chicken to save time.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the cheese mixture if it seems too thick.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
- This dish can be prepared ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole, Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: southern spaghetti bake, creamy chicken pasta casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, ranch seasoning pasta bake, bacon spaghetti casserole
