Indulge Your Taste Buds with Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

Get ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti! This indulgent recipe takes classic spaghetti to a whole new level by incorporating creamy cream cheese, savory bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or craving some comforting carbs, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

4 cups milk
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder

For the Pasta:

1 lb dry spaghetti

For Assembly:

3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Fresh chives, snipped, for garnish (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, condensed cream of bacon soup, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the creamy bacon sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the pot. Add 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese and the cooked bacon crumbles. Stir until everything is well combined and the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with snipped fresh chives if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations

Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the creamy sauce.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Protein Boost: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even ground beef to the dish for extra protein.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Q: Is there a substitute for cream of bacon soup? A: If you can’t find cream of bacon soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup as alternatives.

Q: Can I make this dish keto-friendly? A: Yes! To make a keto-friendly version, you can use low-carb pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream, and omit the condensed soup. Use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for the creamy sauce.

Q: How can I make this dish lower in carbs? A: For a lower-carb version, you can use whole wheat or grain-free pasta alternatives. You can also reduce the amount of pasta used and increase the amount of vegetables in the dish.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the irresistible flavor of bacon. With its simple preparation and decadent taste, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable pasta dish. Enjoy every creamy, bacon-filled bite!