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For the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, gather these key ingredients: - 8 ounces spaghetti - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color) - 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained of excess liquid - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The spaghetti acts as the base and holds the sauce. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps cook the veggies. Onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a tasty mix that enhances the dish. Ground chicken or turkey gives the bake its protein. Diced tomatoes bring freshness and moisture. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy while the cheeses add a melty, cheesy layer on top. Seasonings like Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Finally, salt and black pepper help balance the flavors. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness when you serve! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced bell pepper. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Now, add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat and veggies are ready, mix in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like some heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for an extra 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors well. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with 1 cup of heavy cream. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together so that the spaghetti gets a good coating of the cream and cheese. Gently fold the sautéed meat and vegetable mixture into the spaghetti. Make sure it's evenly mixed throughout. Now, pour the combined spaghetti mixture into a well-greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top the dish with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a nice cheesy finish. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Once baked, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. To make your creamy southern spaghetti bake shine, focus on the flavor. Adjusting seasoning is key. Start with salt and black pepper. Taste as you go. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. The spice brings warmth without overpowering. For creaminess, heavy cream is your best friend. Mix it well with the spaghetti. This will coat every noodle. If it's too thick, add a touch of pasta water. This keeps it rich but not too heavy. Serve your spaghetti bake hot from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You might also try a side salad for crunch. Garlic bread pairs nicely for a full meal. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente, so it holds up in the bake. This keeps each bite firm. Another pitfall is overdoing the cheese. Too much can make it greasy. Stick to the recipe's cheese amounts for the best texture. Pro Tips Use Leftover Vegetables: Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or spinach, to enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Make It Ahead: This spaghetti bake can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly and bake when ready! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations! Try adding pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Garnish for Flavor: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a garnish for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. {{image_4}} You can change up the recipe with different proteins. Ground beef works great instead of chicken or turkey. If you prefer a plant-based option, use crumbled tofu or lentils for a hearty twist. For those avoiding dairy, you can easily swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Use a dairy-free cheese blend to keep it cheesy. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta for a perfect fit. To boost flavor, add veggies like spinach or zucchini. They add color and nutrition to your dish. Sauté them with the onion and bell pepper for a tasty mix. You can also try new seasonings. Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky taste or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. If you love a kick, mix in some hot sauce for extra heat. These tweaks can make your creamy Southern spaghetti bake even more delicious! Store any leftover Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Place the dish in the fridge right after it cools down. Proper storage helps prevent spoilage. You can enjoy it for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to keep your spaghetti bake longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze it before or after baking. For best results, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. Enjoying homemade comfort food has never been easier! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow the recipe until you layer the ingredients in the baking dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, remove the wrap and cook it as directed. This method keeps the flavors fresh. You can also freeze it for later. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. This meal pairs well with salad and bread. A simple green salad adds crunch. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty side. If you want something warm, consider a vegetable soup. These sides balance the creamy pasta dish and round out your meal. To keep leftovers fresh, let the dish cool first. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving. Yes, you can use non-dairy cheese in this recipe. Look for brands that melt well. They work great in baked dishes. However, the taste may differ from traditional cheese. Try a few brands to find your favorite. This option is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based diets. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake. We went over all the ingredients, from spaghetti to cheeses, and detailed step-by-step instructions. Tips for perfecting the dish and serving ideas also came up. I shared common mistakes to help ensure your bake turns out great. Remember, you can customize this recipe with different proteins or veggies. With proper storage, your leftovers can stay fresh and tasty. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others!

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

A delicious and creamy spaghetti bake with ground chicken or turkey, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (choose your favorite color)
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, stirring and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  • Introduce the ground chicken or turkey to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Mix in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the heavy cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss well to ensure even coating.
  • Gently fold the sautéed meat and vegetable mixture into the spaghetti mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout.
  • Pour the combined spaghetti mixture into a well-greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top for a cheesy finish.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
  • Once baked, carefully remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra heavy cream for an elegant touch.
Keyword bake, cheese, chicken, creamy, spaghetti