Short Description: This Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! It features perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- → Pasta:
- 450 grams uncooked spaghetti
- → Sauce:
- 15 milliliters olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 830 milliliters whole milk
- 300 grams cream of chicken soup
- 225 grams cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- → Topping:
- 100 grams grated mozzarella cheese
- 100 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 75 grams bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in milk, add softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat all noodles evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the coated pasta into a large baking dish. Evenly sprinkle grated mozzarella, cheddar, and crumbled bacon over the top.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, switch to broil setting to achieve a golden topping; monitor closely to avoid burning.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, let it cool briefly, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Comfort Food Classic: It combines the best elements of classic comfort food: pasta, creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon. Who can resist?
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Use different types of cheese, add vegetables, or substitute the protein.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good pasta bake, and this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the pasta bake. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works well.
- Garlic bread or crusty bread is a great addition for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can provide a healthy side dish.
Tips:
- Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake.
- Soften cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will melt more easily into the sauce, creating a smoother texture.
- Don’t burn the topping: Keep a close eye on the pasta bake while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Let it rest: Allowing the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes after baking will help it to set up and make it easier to serve.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q5: What other cheeses can I use?
A5: You can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, provolone, or Monterey Jack. A combination of cheeses can add more depth of flavor.
