Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any family meal. It combines tender pasta, creamy flavors, and a rich, comforting texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, this bake is simple and satisfying.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

This recipe is a fantastic choice for busy families. It’s easy to make and requires minimal prep. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, it packs a punch in flavor without much fuss. Plus, it stretches to feed a crowd, making it an ideal dish for gatherings. The creamy rich sauce and crispy bacon add so much comfort that you’ll want to enjoy it again and again.

How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Making this spaghetti bake is straightforward and perfect for beginner cooks. You’ll start by cooking the pasta while mixing up the creamy sauce. Stir everything together and bake it until bubbly and golden. The steps are simple, and the results are delicious.

What You Need

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)

Step-by-Step

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
Fold in cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, Parmesan, and cooked spaghetti.
Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and crumbled bacon.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

This dish is best served warm. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of additional parsley for freshness or serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. This bake is perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

How to Store Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

To keep this dish fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze individual portions. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through. It makes a wonderful easy lunch option!

Recipe Tips

Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, try using Italian seasoning instead for a different flavor twist.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary, so judge when it’s bubbly and golden.
Use rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.

Variations & Swaps

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
Swap out the chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey for a hearty variation.
Add in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option.
If you want a creamy tomato flavor, mix in a cup of marinara sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven for a longer baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this spaghetti bake?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking or before. If freezing before baking, make sure to cover it well. When you want to eat it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until hot.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or even make your own creamy sauce with butter, flour, and broth for a homemade option.

What are common mistakes to avoid?
A common mistake is overcooking the pasta initially; it should be just al dente. Also, don’t skip letting the dish rest after baking. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier.