Savory Turkey Bacon & Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering turkey bacon cream cheese baked spaghetti delivers pure comfort on a plate.
Layers of tender pasta intertwine with creamy, savory goodness that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The combination of smoky turkey bacon and rich cream cheese creates an irresistible blend of flavors.
Every forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
The aroma alone will draw hungry family members to the kitchen, eager to taste this delectable dish.
Prepare to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that’s sure to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients for Bacon Spaghetti Bake
Main Ingredients:
Pasta:Protein:Dairy and Cheese:Seasoning and Spices:Sauce Base:Make Turkey Bacon Spaghetti Easily
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F.
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Craft The Creamy Sauce
In a large pot over medium heat, whip together:Stir everything until the mixture starts to bubble gently.
Step 3: Cook The Noodles
Snap the spaghetti noodles in half and drop them into the bubbling sauce.
Turn down the heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook for 8 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent clumping.
Step 4: Mix In The Goodies
Fold in the mozzarella and turkey bacon bits until they’re evenly distributed throughout the saucy noodles.
Step 5: Create The Casserole Base
Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Step 6: Add The Crowning Glory
Sprinkle across the top:Step 7: Bake To Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 14-15 minutes.
You’re looking for melted cheese with golden crispy edges.
Step 8: Rest And Serve
Pull the dish out and let it sit for a few minutes.
This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Tips for Creamy Spaghetti Perfection
Keeping Baked Spaghetti Fresh
What Goes With Turkey Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti Flavor Options
FAQs
Turkey bacon is a leaner protein option with less fat and calories, making this dish healthier while still providing a delicious smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to create a gluten-free version of this recipe that’s just as tasty and satisfying.
The cream of bacon soup adds rich flavor and creamy texture, but you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if needed. Each alternative will slightly change the overall taste profile.
Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the oven, so removing it from heat at the right time ensures a perfect texture in the final baked dish.
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Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Savory turkey bacon cream cheese baked spaghetti brings comfort and excitement to weeknight dinners. Creamy pasta layers blend smoky bacon, tender turkey, and rich cheese into a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Protein and Carbohydrates:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 cup real turkey bacon bits
Dairy and Cheese Components:
- 4 cups milk
- 7.5 oz Philadelphia Whipped Chive cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Craft a creamy sauce in a large pot over medium heat by whisking together milk, cream of bacon soup, whipped chive cream cheese, and seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Introduce spaghetti noodles by breaking them in half and submerging into the simmering sauce, reducing heat to medium-low and stirring periodically to ensure even cooking for approximately 8 minutes.
- Enhance the pasta mixture by folding in shredded mozzarella and turkey bacon bits, ensuring thorough distribution throughout the saucy noodles.
- Transfer the saucy pasta to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that will promote consistent baking.
- Embellish the top layer with an additional blanket of shredded mozzarella, scattered turkey bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chopped chives for visual appeal and added flavor complexity.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, slightly crispy edge.
- Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and extra excitement.
- Swap turkey bacon for crispy regular bacon or veggie bacon alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Reduce sauce’s richness by using low-fat cream cheese and skim milk, creating a lighter meal without compromising taste.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken or plant-based protein crumbles for extra nutrition and meal versatility.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Hambly
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.
The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.
James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.