Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Name: Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: – 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)

If you grew up in the South or ever enjoyed a Southern-style potluck, you already know the magic of casseroles that blend creamy, cheesy, savory goodness all in one bubbly dish. This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a warm hug of flavor loaded with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, plenty of melted cheddar, and smoky bacon on top. It’s simple, soulful, and impossibly comforting.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a make-ahead dinner, or just want something cozy to slide into the oven on a Sunday afternoon, this recipe is about to become a favorite in your rotation.

What Is Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake?

This dish takes traditional baked spaghetti and gives it a Southern twist by ditching the red sauce and loading it up with a creamy, cheesy, ranch-seasoned base. It’s kind of like a cross between chicken tetrazzini and mac and cheese but with spaghetti noodles, crispy bacon, and a rich blend of cheddar and cream cheese throughout.

The result is tender pasta smothered in a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that melts in your mouth, with crunchy bits of bacon on top for texture and punch.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Spaghetti Casserole

✔️ Comfort food at its finest

We’re talking thick, creamy, cheesy layers baked to golden perfection.

✔️ Crowd-pleasing & family-friendly

Kids love it. Adults love it. It’s potluck gold.

✔️ Great for leftovers

It reheats like a dream, making it ideal for lunch the next day.

✔️ Easy to prep ahead

Assemble it, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready.

✔️ Southern soul in every bite

That creamy ranch-chicken-cheese combo is iconic down here—and for good reason!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine forkfuls of creamy spaghetti tangled with shredded chicken and a blend of melted cheeses, all laced with the tang of ranch and the salty crunch of bacon. The top layer gets bubbly and golden, while the inside stays ultra-creamy and rich.

Each bite delivers warmth, flavor, and that can’t-stop-eating-it feeling.

Ingredients

For the Bake:

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 for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot
Mixing bowl

9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk or hand mixer
Foil (for covering while baking)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Meat: Sub turkey or ham for the chicken, or skip for a meatless version.
Cream base: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a bit more tang.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, but Monterey jack or Colby are great too.

Extras: Add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.

How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken, 1½ cups cheddar, and Parmesan to the bowl. Fold in the drained spaghetti until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Bake

Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and cooked bacon on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve With It

A crisp side salad with ranch dressing
Southern-style green beans

Garlic toast or cornbread muffins
Sweet tea or lemonade on the side

Tips for the Best Southern Spaghetti Casserole

Shred your own cheese for the best melt and texture.

Use rotisserie chicken for a fast shortcut.
Don’t overcook your pasta it will keep cooking in the oven.
Cover with foil for most of the baking time to keep it from drying out.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual servings or warm in oven at 325°F, covered.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Totally! Penne, rotini, or linguine all work—just cook until al dente.

Is it spicy?

Nope—very kid-friendly. But you can add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken tastes better.

Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 560
Protein: 31g

Carbs: 36g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 860mg

July 28, 2025 by Melissa