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- 8 oz spaghetti, uncooked - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie for added flavor) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup diced tomatoes, well-drained (canned or fresh) - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Salt, to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch recommended) First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your dish bakes evenly. Next, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure your cream cheese is soft. This helps everything mix smoothly. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and creamy. Now, gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture. Make sure every strand gets coated in the rich sauce. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. This helps them get a nice golden crust. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the spaghetti bake. Finally, place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbling top to know it's done. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make a smooth sauce, use softened cream cheese. This helps it blend well. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses until creamy. I recommend using rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves time. Look for chicken that is juicy and well-cooked. You can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the spaghetti and mix the creamy sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, combine them and add the topping. For reheating, cover the dish with foil. This keeps it moist and warms it evenly. Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. Both complement the creamy spaghetti bake well. For drinks, iced tea or a light white wine works great. These beverages enhance the meal's comfort and flavor. You can easily switch out the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try using ground turkey or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Both add great flavor and texture. For the cheese, mix things up! Instead of sharp cheddar, use pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a rich taste. Mozzarella pairs well with any cheese. To make a lower-carb version, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta. These options keep the dish light yet tasty. You can also swap the cream cheese and sour cream for their reduced-fat versions. They still give a creamy texture without the extra calories. If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy mix. This will give your dish a spicy kick that works well with the creamy sauce. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. This extra heat will elevate your Southern Creamy Spaghetti Bake to a whole new level! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added flavor and convenience, opt for rotisserie chicken. It enhances the dish's overall taste and saves time on cooking. Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy. Breadcrumb Topping: Mix your breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil to create a crunchy topping. This will give your dish a delightful texture contrast. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a dash of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and a burst of flavor. {{image_4}} After enjoying your Southern creamy spaghetti bake, cool it down properly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce moisture. Next, place it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure to seal them tight. This keeps the dish fresh for your next meal. You can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. This keeps out air and moisture. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it well and store it in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. In the fridge, this spaghetti bake lasts about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells or changes in color. If the cheese appears slimy or has mold, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can easily skip the chicken. Here are some tasty alternatives: - Ground turkey: A leaner option with great flavor. - Cooked sausage: Adds a nice spice and richness. - Tofu or tempeh: Great choices for a vegetarian dish. - Mushrooms: They provide a hearty texture and umami taste. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free pasta. Here are a few options: - Rice noodles: They are light and cook fast. - Quinoa pasta: Offers a nutty flavor and good protein. - Zucchini noodles: A fresh, low-carb twist that adds veggies. These alternatives work well with the creamy sauce and flavors. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try these dairy-free options: - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews until smooth for a rich texture. - Silken tofu: It blends well and has a mild taste. - Coconut yogurt: Adds creaminess with a hint of coconut flavor. These options will keep your dish creamy and delicious. To check if the spaghetti bake is ready, look for these signs: - Golden top: The breadcrumbs should be browned and crispy. - Bubbling edges: You should see the sauce bubbling around the edges. - Firm center: Gently shake the dish; it should not jiggle. These signs mean your bake is perfectly cooked. Absolutely! Here are some easy ways to add heat: - Chili flakes: Sprinkle them on top before baking for a kick. - Sliced jalapeños: Mix them in with the creamy mixture. - Hot sauce: Add a few drops to the sauce for depth. These additions will spice up your Southern Creamy Spaghetti Bake wonderfully. This blog post showed you how to make a creamy spaghetti bake that's easy and tasty. You learned about the key ingredients, seasonings, and steps to follow. We also shared tips for perfect texture and smart serving ideas. Remember, there are many ways to change the recipe to fit your needs. You can try new proteins or make it spicy. With proper storage, your leftovers can last for days. Enjoy this dish at home for a satisfying meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Southern Creamy Spaghetti Bake

A comforting and creamy spaghetti bake loaded with chicken, cheeses, and a hint of smoky flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti, uncooked
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, well-drained
  • 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated and creamy.
  • Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Mix well and sprinkle evenly over the top of the spaghetti bake.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Keyword bake, cheese, chicken, creamy, spaghetti