This decadent and creamy pasta dish combines smoky bacon with a rich, cheesy sauce for an easy and irresistible family meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and comforting: The creamy cheese sauce paired with smoky bacon is pure comfort food bliss.
Family-friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages and is ideal for sharing.

Simple and quick: Made with pantry staples, it comes together in under an hour.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite pasta, cheeses, or added veggies.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups whole milk

10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Heat a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

In the same skillet, whisk together the milk, cream of chicken soup, and softened cream cheese over medium heat until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top.

Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Mix in spinach, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrients.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.

Different pasta: Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer.
Lighter version: Use turkey bacon, low-fat cheeses, and skim milk for a healthier twist.
Herby flavor: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh thyme to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Freeze the baked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes work well for this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup alternative.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Cook the sauce over medium heat and avoid overheating the cheese to maintain a smooth consistency.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What can I serve with creamy bacon spaghetti?

Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

6. Can I add more protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for extra protein.

7. Can I use a different cheese blend?

Absolutely, try gouda, fontina, or Parmesan for a flavor variation.

8. How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook?

Cook it to al dente before combining with the sauce, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the bacon and use vegetable-based cream soup for a vegetarian option.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If needed, stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich, cheesy flavors paired with smoky bacon. This hearty and indulgent pasta bake is a versatile dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its creamy texture and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of cheesy perfection!

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti: A rich and flavorful pasta dish with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender spaghetti. Ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Pasta:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz (225 g) whole wheat or high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil pasta)

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

1 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp low-fat cream cheese

1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in almond milk, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and onion powder. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Lunch

Method: Boiling and Sauteing
Cuisine: Italian-American