Description
This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting casserole that combines al dente spaghetti, tender shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Enhanced with ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this hearty dish bakes to bubbly perfection, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Fold the shredded cooked chicken and the drained spaghetti into the creamy sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the creamy spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Add Cheese and Bacon Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, scatter the crumbled cooked bacon across the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and turns a light golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Make sure the spaghetti is not overcooked to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers can increase nutrition and color.
