Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Bacon Pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked spaghetti is coated in a luscious cream sauce, made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and aromatic spices. Topped with crispy bacon and a blend of melted cheeses, this dish is baked to golden perfection, resulting in a creamy, savory pasta bake that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Rinse and drain under cold water.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the milk, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the creamy sauce until well coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top the pasta with grated mozzarella cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil the pasta for the last 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 8
Enjoy the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Bacon Pasta with your loved ones!
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Garnish: Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal before serving.
- Pairing: Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta dish.
- Bread Basket: Offer garlic bread or crusty French bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy texture and savory bacon.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While pasta dishes can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, cool the pasta completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
- Freshen Up: If the pasta seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of milk or cream before heating to restore its creamy texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Creamy Bacon Pasta remains delicious and satisfying, whether served fresh or reheated!