Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
A cozy family favorite, this creamy and cheesy spaghetti bake is easy to make and perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti The classic base for your bake; cooks up beautifully and holds all those creamy flavors.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep or roast your own!
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened Adds a wonderfully creamy texture; let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup Enhances richness; low-sodium version can be used to lighten up.
- 1 cup sour cream Adds comforting tang and creaminess.
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix A secret zing of flavor! Don’t skip this; it’s what makes it Southern.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For that aromatic goodness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to your taste.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) The gooey cheese that melts into pure bliss; sharp cheddar recommended.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty finish that contrasts with the cheddar.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Adds a delightful crunch!
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) Adds fresh color and flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, 1½ cups of cheddar, Parmesan, and cooked spaghetti.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and crumbled bacon.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling the dish without baking and refrigerate; leftovers can be transformed into wraps or salads, and the dish can be frozen before baking.