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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a warm, comforting casserole combining tender spaghetti with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and savory Southern flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this easy, customizable one-dish meal delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Protein (Optional)

  • 1 cup cooked chicken or sausage, chopped

Toppings (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess in your bake.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to develop the signature Southern flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked spaghetti to a large bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat every strand. If using cooked chicken or sausage, fold it in at this stage for an all-in-one flavor explosion.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to set for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the creamy texture.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente spaghetti prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better and tastes more vibrant than pre-shredded.
  • Cover the bake with foil for the first 15 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the top.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting garlic, onion powder, or adding cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spaghetti bake, southern casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-southern-spaghetti-bake/