Ah, the magic of comfort food! There’s something so satisfying about a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. I remember the first time I tried a spaghetti bake; it was at my best friend’s house during a chilly autumn evening, the kind where you can smell the leaves turning outside and the air feels like a soft hug. We snuggled under blankets, and that pasta—ooey, gooey, and filled with flavor—felt like the ultimate comfort on a crisp day. That’s what inspired me to create this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, a dish that brings not only warmth to your belly but also brings back fond memories of sharing good times with loved ones. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Your kitchen is about to smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just one dish for a delicious and hearty meal—less mess, more fun!
• Perfect for busy weeknights; it comes together in a flash.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting, creamy flavors that everyone will love.
• Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• 12 ounces spaghetti (any shape you love will work)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; feel free to use rotisserie for ease)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (the creaminess is heavenly)
• 1 cup sour cream (for that tangy touch)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (because who doesn’t love melty cheese?)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for a hint of herby goodness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to grease your baking dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking magic! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fabulous meal ready to devour in no time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to ensuring your bake is perfectly cooked throughout. Don’t skip it!
2. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it; we want a little bite left in that pasta!
3. Drain and set aside: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and let it sit for a moment. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on it to prevent sticking, but that’s optional.
4. Mix the creamy goodness: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until it’s smooth and delightful!
5. Add the chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Oh, the aroma of garlic and creamy cheese is already heavenly!
6. Combine with spaghetti: Gently mix the drained spaghetti into the creamy chicken mixture. Be sure to coat all the pasta nicely. It’s okay if it gets a little messy; it’s part of the fun!
7. Prepare for baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil and then pour in the spaghetti mixture. Spread it evenly so that every bite gets a little love.
8. Add the marinara: Pour the marinara sauce over the top. Give it a little swirl with a spatula, but don’t mix it all in. You want those delicious pockets of flavor!
9. Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top. A little extra cheese never hurt anyone, right?
10. Bake to perfection: Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The smell wafting from your oven will have your family gathering around the kitchen!
11. Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Trust me, you don’t want to burn your tongue when you take that first bite!

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is super versatile, and you can switch things up with these fun variations:

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture if you enjoy a little kick!
• Vegetarian twist: Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty veggie bake.
• Cheese overload: Experiment with different cheese! Try adding Gouda or cheddar for a new flavor. The combinations are endless!
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley sprinkled on top before serving give a nice pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is half the fun! Imagine setting the table with a big, beautiful dish in the center, cheese bubbling and golden, ready to be dished out. I love to serve mine with a side salad, you know, something light and crisp to balance out the richness of the bake. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette does the trick!

You can also pair it with some crusty garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up every last bite. And if you want to sip something soothing, a cup of warm coffee or a sparkling lemonade adds a refreshing touch. Cozy, right?

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your spaghetti bake fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the entire dish back in the oven.
• Freeze: This dish freezes like a champ! Cool it completely, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months!
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the whole dish in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use different types of pasta?

You bet! Any pasta shape you love will work, from penne to rigatoni. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the shape so you don’t overcook it.

I don’t like ricotta cheese. What can I substitute?

No worries! If ricotta isn’t your jam, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be great alternatives. They’ll give you the same yummy creaminess in different ways.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can even add some chickpeas for extra protein. It’s all about making it your own!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! The Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is ready to bring warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of happy to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it! Please do come back and share how it turned out or any fun twists you tried with the recipe. Cooking is always better when we connect through it. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!

Irresistible Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake Comfort Food Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake This comforting dish is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 ounces of spaghetti

2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup of ricotta cheese

1 cup of sour cream

2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup of marinara sauce

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon of olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth.

Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Gently mix the drained spaghetti into the creamy chicken mixture, coating all pasta.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil and pour in the spaghetti mixture, spreading it evenly.

Pour the marinara sauce over the top, swirling gently.

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

A comforting and creamy spaghetti bake that is perfect for busy weeknights and brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 612
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g

Keywords: spaghetti bake, comfort food, Southern spaghetti bake, easy dinner recipe, pasta casserole