Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe
This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake combines tender spaghetti with succulent shredded chicken in a rich and cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and a savory ranch seasoning. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, this comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Canned and Seasoning
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti until just al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly. This ensures it will hold its shape during baking.
- Make creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Mix in chicken and cheese: Fold the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly on top, then add the crumbled cooked bacon for a flavorful crunchy topping.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check the soup and ranch seasoning for gluten content.
- If you prefer, replace bacon with cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: spaghetti bake, creamy chicken casserole, southern comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta, ranch chicken bake