hit tracker

Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

by

Yields: 6-8 hearty servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Intensity: Easy – This is a straightforward, one-pan-pasta (plus a pot for boiling) recipe perfect for cooks of any level. It involves simple techniques like browning meat and making a simple sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Bacon:

  • 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti

  • 1 pound bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot) or ground beef

  • 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara or tomato-basil pasta sauce

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large pot for boiling pasta

  • Large, deep oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (or a 9×13 inch baking dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet)

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Tongs and a wooden spoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Foundation

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until just al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking is key. Drain well and set aside.

  2. Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta water is heating, place the chopped bacon in your large, cold oven-safe skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet—this is your flavor gold!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground sausage (or beef) to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. If using beef, drain off any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce

  1. Combine Tomato Base: To the skillet with the meat, pour in the jar of marinara sauce, the can of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and no lumps of cream cheese remain. This is easiest if your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. Whisk in the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

  1. Combine Pasta and Sauces: Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Pour the creamy cream cheese mixture into the meat and tomato sauce. Stir continuously until the creamy mixture is fully incorporated, creating a unified, pinkish-orange, and incredibly rich sauce.

  2. Add Pasta and Bacon: Add the drained, cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs, toss and stir until every strand of spaghetti is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Fold in about three-quarters of the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat and Top: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are not using an oven-safe skillet, now is the time to transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

  2. Add the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Scatter the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the cheese.

  3. Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has golden-brown spots.

  4. Broil (Optional): For an extra-golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Rest: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

  2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve directly from the skillet at the table for a dramatic, family-style presentation.

The Last of the Recipe: Storage & Reheating

  • Storing Leftovers: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. Place desired portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a single serving, the microwave can be used (about 2-3 minutes on high), though the texture of the pasta will be slightly softer.

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

  • Serving Size: 1/8th of the recipe

  • Calories: ~720 kcal

  • Total Fat: 38g

  • Saturated Fat: 17g

  • Cholesterol: 105mg

  • Sodium: 1,450mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 58g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 10g

  • Protein: 35g

Chef’s Notes & Customizations

  • Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to avoid a lumpy sauce. Taking it out of the fridge an hour before you start is ideal.

  • Bacon Fat Flavor: Don’t skip cooking the aromatics in the bacon fat! This builds a foundational layer of smoky flavor that permeates the entire dish.

  • Lighter Version: For a slightly lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. The result will still be creamy but less rich.

  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce when sautéing the onions for an extra nutrient boost.

  • Pasta Choice: While spaghetti is classic, this recipe works wonderfully with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Leave a Comment