Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

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Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly comforting, the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a true soul food classic that brings everyone to the table. This dish marries tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and crispy bacon all baked to golden perfection. It’s one of those down-home meals that wraps you in warmth from the very first bite. With gooey cheese pulls and bold southern flavor, it’s a hit at potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you need a little food hug.

What makes this casserole shine is its luxurious texture and balance of savory elements. The creamy sauce is seasoned just right, and the mix of cheeses forms a luscious blanket over the spaghetti. Crumbled bacon adds a crispy, smoky finish that takes it over the top. It’s hearty without being too heavy, rich without overwhelming your taste buds—just the way comfort food should be.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

• It’s the ultimate comfort food with southern soul.
• A great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests.
• Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor in every bite.
• Easy to prep ahead and reheat later.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake a breeze, you’ll want a few key tools on hand:

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling the spaghetti evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for tossing pasta with the sauce and other ingredients.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: Needed for cooking the bacon to a perfect crisp.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The right size for layering and baking the dish evenly.
• Whisk: Helps you create a smooth, lump-free creamy sauce.
• Cheese Grater (if grating fresh cheese): Ensures even melting.

These tools make your cooking process smoother and help deliver consistent, delicious results.

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Preparation Tips

Cook your spaghetti just until al dente—remember it will continue cooking in the oven, and overdone noodles can get mushy. Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the richest flavor, and freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture. If possible, cook your bacon separately so it stays crispy when crumbled on top. Don’t skip seasoning your sauce well—it’s the heart of the dish. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or a touch of garlic powder to bring everything together perfectly.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (more if needed for thinning sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as the noodles will continue to cook while baking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble into bits. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon grease if you’d like to add it to the sauce for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.

Step 4: Mix Spaghetti and Chicken

Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into the dish. Top with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Step 7: Add Bacon and Garnish

Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Add chopped parsley if using. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help everything set.

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Notes

This dish is perfect for making ahead—just assemble everything and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can even freeze it (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Make sure the pasta is coated well in sauce to prevent it from drying out in the oven. If reheating leftovers, adding a splash of milk or broth helps bring back the creaminess.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Spaghetti should be al dente before baking, or it will become mushy.
• Not seasoning the sauce enough: The creamy base needs seasoning to shine—taste and adjust before mixing.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.
• Forgetting to rest after baking: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
• Adding bacon too early: Sprinkle bacon after baking so it stays crispy, not soggy.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. For longer storage, wrap the unbaked dish tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add 15-20 extra minutes to the bake time, keeping it covered with foil until the last 10 minutes to avoid over-browning the top.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is great for convenience, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it just before serving. You can also freeze it for later.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use a homemade white sauce or substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely. Peas, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to balance the richness.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.

What can I serve with this?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully with this rich bake.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?

Cover with foil for most of the baking time, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to brown.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, though spaghetti gives the classic texture, other pastas like linguine or fettuccine also work.

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Conclusion

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to look forward to, it’s hearty, delicious, and made to satisfy. With simple ingredients and tons of comforting flavor, this is a timeless southern casserole you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

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