Description
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting casserole combining tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Topped with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, then baked to bubbly perfection, this dish serves as a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Creamy Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the creamy sauce mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by crumbled cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious Southern-style meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a little bit of milk or chicken broth into the creamy mixture before combining with pasta and chicken.
- Make sure spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Feel free to substitute the shredded chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
