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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting casserole combining tender spaghetti with shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, creamy soup, and tangy ranch seasoning. Topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy & Creamy Elements

  • 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

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta maintains texture after baking.
  3. Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through thoroughly.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh color and flavor boost.

Notes

  • To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
  • Adjust the ranch seasoning quantity to taste if you prefer more or less seasoning.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance, assembled, and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Southern spaghetti bake, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti with chicken and bacon, comfort food casserole

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/creamy-southern-spaghetti-bake-recipe/