Introduction to Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Welcome to my kitchen, where comfort food reigns supreme! Today, I’m excited to share my Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This creamy delight is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick solution that still impresses your loved ones. With tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, it’s a meal that brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a lifesaver for busy cooks like me! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 50 minutes from start to finish. The creamy, cheesy goodness is a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients for Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, you’ll need a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti pasta: The backbone of this dish, broken into thirds for easy cooking and mixing.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving you time and adding flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This adds a rich, creamy base that ties everything together.
- Cream of chicken soup: Enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds a savory depth.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: These bring a zesty kick and a pop of color to the bake.
- Onion: Finely diced, it adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic: Minced for that aromatic touch that makes everything better.
- Cheddar cheese: A must for that gooey, melty topping that everyone loves.
- mozzarella cheese: Adds a stretchy, creamy layer that complements the cheddar.
- Chicken broth: Use this to adjust the creaminess of the sauce to your liking.
- Seasoned salt: A blend of spices that elevates the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: For a touch of heat and seasoning.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- Garlic powder: For an extra punch of garlic flavor.
- Butter or olive oil: Essential for sautéing the veggies to perfection.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand! This recipe is all about flexibility and making it your own.
How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like a hot spring, add the spaghetti. Cook it until it’s just al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. This is important because it will continue cooking in the oven. After about 8-10 minutes, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat up some butter or olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for your Southern Chicken Spaghetti BAKE. The sizzling veggies will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Add in the chicken broth and all the seasonings: seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in the sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of your dish, and it’s going to be delicious!
Step 4: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, it’s time to add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Gently fold it in until every strand is coated in that creamy goodness. Pour everything into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella. This cheesy layer is what dreams are made of!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dish uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly, with a golden cheese topping that looks irresistible. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve it hot, and watch your family dig in with smiles on their faces!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente since it will bake further.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Mix different cheeses for a unique flavor twist—try a Velveeta and cheddar combo!
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For boiling spaghetti; a deep skillet can work too.
- Skillet: To sauté vegetables; a saucepan is a good alternative.
- Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients; any large bowl will do.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal; use any oven-safe dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy; you can eyeball it if needed.
Variations of Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, meatless version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Fat Version: Opt for low-fat soups and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy bake perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread for a delightful crunch alongside the dish.
- Refreshing Drink: Pair with sweet tea or lemonade for a true Southern experience.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
FAQs about Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
As I’ve shared my love for this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, I know you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you out!
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake. It saves time and adds great flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use homemade white sauce or a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth instead of cream soups. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. It’ll give your Southern Chicken Spaghetti BAKE a delightful kick!
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories. The creamy, cheesy goodness brings warmth to the table, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in. I love how it effortlessly combines comfort and flavor, leaving everyone satisfied and smiling. Plus, the ease of preparation means I can spend more time enjoying the company of my loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let this delightful dish become a cherished part of your culinary adventures!
Print
Southern Chicken Spaghetti BAKE: A Creamy Delight Awaits!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and delicious Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta (broken into thirds before cooking)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or more if you like it creamier)
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or regular salt, to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for sautéing)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings (seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder). Stir in the sautéed veggies. Add shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour everything into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese + ½ cup mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden cheese topping.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like extra spice.
- Mix in veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use a Velveeta + cheddar combo for an ultra-creamy Southern twist.
- Can substitute turkey for chicken (great for Thanksgiving leftovers!).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
