Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti works great, you can substitute it with fettuccine, penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good alternatives too.

How do I prevent my sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while stirring to loosen it up.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and sauce, assemble everything in the baking dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup, cream of bacon soup, or even make a homemade version by mixing equal parts heavy cream and chicken broth with a bit of flour for thickening.

Creamy Bacon Pasta

Name: Creamy Bacon Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3½ cups milk (whole milk preferred); 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound uncooked spaghetti; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; ¾ cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Description

This Creamy Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, velvety cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, this family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound uncooked spaghetti
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
¾ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Discard the grease, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan for extra flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the crispy bacon pieces. Cover with foil.
Bake and Broil: Place in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, then switch to broil for the last 5 minutes to create a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack.
Add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 553 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 1123mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 59mg