The Creamy Goodness That’ll Steal the Show

Imagine a cheesy, comforting bake that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug on a chilly night. Does it get any better? Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake promises just that—a delicious, one-pan wonder that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). With a blend of chicken, creamy cheeses, and crunchy bacon, this dish knows how to pleasantly surprise your dinner guests or family on a regular weeknight.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you spend your evening in the kitchen when you could whip up this delightful dish in no time? Here are a few reasons to love it:

Easy Cleanup: Who loves cleaning? Not us! With this one-pan recipe, you’ll be washing up just one baking dish. Amen to that!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will dive right in, making it a surefire winner for family dinners. If they don’t love it, I’ll eat my hat!
Comfort Food Galore: This creamy, cheesy pasta bake is like a warm blanket after a long day. Who can resist that?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Follow these steps to create your creamy masterpiece:

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Everything: Fold in the cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, Parmesan, and the cooked spaghetti until well mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the creamy concoction into your greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Bake It: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touch: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake (Overview)

Making this dish is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as creamy pasta bake? Start by boiling some spaghetti until it’s just right. While that’s going, whip together your cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. It’s like an instant flavor bomb! Once you fold everything together, you’re almost there. Toss it all in the oven, and voila! Pro tip: Don’t skip letting it rest before serving; it helps everything settle beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Serve this dish straight from the oven, still bubbling and fragrant. Pair it with a simple side salad for some color and crunch, or some garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss! Your guests will be eyeing those portions like it’s Christmas morning.

How to Store Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can store this creamy delight in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Want to make ahead? Prepare it, but don’t bake it; just cover it and pop it in the fridge. Then, bake it when you’re ready! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but you’re probably going to want to finish it in one go. Just reheat in the oven until heated through—easy peasy!

Tips to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in some spinach or peas for a nutrient boost.
Make It Extra Cheesy: Love cheese? Add more cheddar—nobody’s judging!
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor.
Use Leftover Chicken: Perfect way to use up that rotisserie chicken gathering dust in your fridge.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Make it vegetarian by swapping shredded chicken for mushrooms or zucchini. You can also try different cheeses—think mozzarella for that gooey pull. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of hot sauce for a tangy kick!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rotini would work just as well. No rules here!

How do I make this vegan?
Substitute chicken for chickpeas, and go for cashew cream instead of regular cream cheese and sour cream.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Assembly is simple. Just store it uncooked in the fridge or freezer and bake when ready.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!