Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti creates the classic texture, this sauce works wonderfully with penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as thicker pasta shapes may require a few extra minutes to reach al dente in the sauce.

My cream cheese isn't melting smoothly. What am I doing wrong?

This typically happens when the cream cheese is too cold or the heat is too high. Try cutting the cream cheese into smaller cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Also, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil, and whisk continuously until smooth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You certainly can! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free (or make a simple roux with gluten-free flour as a substitute).

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to avoid condensed soup, you can make a quick replacement by whisking together 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of flour. Season with additional herbs and spices to taste.

Bacon Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Bacon Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a comforting oven-baked pasta dish packed with savory bacon, melty Italian cheeses, and a luscious cream cheese sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive main course perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta

- - 1 pound box of spaghetti
  - 4 cups milk (whole, skim, or your choice)
  - 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  - 8 ounces cream cheese
  - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  - 1 teaspoon onion powder or dried onion flakes
  - Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping & Filling

- 1 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3.5 cups Italian blend shredded cheese, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by coating it with non-stick spray.
Create the Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, combine 4 cups milk, the cream of chicken soup, and 8 ounces cream cheese. Simmer gently, stirring regularly, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in 2 cups of shredded Italian blend cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder (or dried onion flakes), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is incorporated.
Cook Spaghetti in Sauce: Break the spaghetti in half and add it directly to the hot cream cheese sauce. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Assemble in Baking Dish: Add the cooked and chopped bacon to the spaghetti mixture and stir to distribute. Transfer the contents to your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of Italian blend shredded cheese over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting Bacon Cream Cheese Spaghetti!

Notes

You can use any type of milk, but whole milk will yield a richer sauce.
Swap in cooked pancetta or turkey bacon for variations.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper.
Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking; add a few minutes to bake time if starting cold.
Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 670
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1120mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg