Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe

The Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is one of those soul-satisfying dishes you’ll want to make over and over. Imagine tender spaghetti tossed in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, layered with shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon—all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a wonderful twist on classic comfort food, bringing together creamy textures and rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake stands out as a truly indulgent yet approachable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this creamy goodness, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy items—just a handful of simple, hearty ingredients that come together to make this dish unforgettable. Each one adds a unique touch, from the silky cheese base to the savory chicken and crispy bacon topping.

• Spaghetti (12 oz): Cook until just al dente to maintain the perfect bite and texture in the bake.
• Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Adds protein and hearty substance that blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient that makes the bake wonderfully rich and creamy.
• Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Brings moisture and a gentle savory depth to the sauce.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Boosts the tangy creaminess for that classic Southern flavor profile.
• Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz packet): Infuses the dish with aromatic herbs and a kiss of zesty flavor.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Provides a subtle punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Black pepper (½ tsp): Just enough to enhance without stealing the spotlight.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully and adds sharpness—part mixed in and part sprinkled on top.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty element that elevates every bite.
• Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Brings irresistible crunch and smoky flavor as the perfect topping.
• Chopped parsley (2 tbsp, optional): A fresh sprinkle to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly for a baking session full of creamy goodness. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente—this means tender but still with a slight bite, which keeps the bake from getting mushy after baking.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In a medium bowl, take that softened cream cheese and mix it with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s a smooth, velvety sauce. This mixture is where all the signature Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake flavor starts to come alive—rich, tangy, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your sauce base is ready, gently fold in the shredded chicken, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the drained cooked spaghetti. Make sure everything is evenly coated, so every forkful later has a little bit of that creamy, cheesy magic wrapped around tender chicken and pasta.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Pour this wonderful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, then crown the dish with the crumbled bacon. These toppings not only add extra layers of flavor but give a wonderful color and crunch once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps to keep the moisture locked in while everything heats through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top bubbles up and turns a golden brown. Once out of the oven, give the bake 5 to 10 minutes to rest—this helps it set nicely so it slices beautifully when served.

How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the rich creaminess of the dish. You could also add a little cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of extra warmth.

Side Dishes

This bake is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with light, crisp sides works wonderfully. Think of a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. These sides balance out the creaminess and provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this bake in individual ramekins or mini casseroles for portion control and an elegant presentation. Or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for a colorful, veggie-based vessel that adds its own subtle sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—and you probably will—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake actually tastes great the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy nights. Freeze the bake in a freezer-safe dish before baking, then thaw overnight before cooking. You can also freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully in this bake, you can easily swap it for penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente to maintain a perfect texture after baking.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can skip the chicken and bacon to make a vegetarian friendly version. For added protein and texture, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This dish relies heavily on dairy for its signature creaminess, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream substitutes, and non-dairy cheese alternatives. Be aware that the texture and flavor will be different, but still tasty.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for the bake?

A great method is to use two forks to pull apart the chicken, or simply shred it with your fingers once cooled. Shredded chicken evenly distributes the protein throughout the creamy sauce ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Can I prepare this ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to step 4, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, remove from the fridge and bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavor and hearty goodness, you simply must give the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake a try. It’s easy to make, uses familiar ingredients, and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll quickly become a favorite recipe to share with family and friends again and again.

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