When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the warm embrace of baked spaghetti. But this isn’t your ordinary pasta bake – it’s Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti. With its creamy texture, smoky turkey bacon, and a rich, cheesy finish, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for the family or impressing guests with something hearty and flavorful, this recipe has you covered.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy sauces, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Add turkey bacon for a smoky, savory punch, and you have a dish that’s both indulgent and balanced. This baked spaghetti is not only packed with flavor but also lighter than traditional versions, thanks to the healthier swap of turkey bacon.

So, grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s dive into creating this irresistible meal together.

The Ingredients That Make It Shine

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

For the pasta:

• 4 cups milk
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup (cream of chicken works, too)
• 7.5 oz Philadelphia Whipped Chive cream cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup real turkey bacon bits (or freshly cooked and crumbled turkey bacon)

For the topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• ½ cup real turkey bacon bits

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Let’s set the stage for success. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking and that golden, bubbly top layer we all love. While the oven heats up, grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. A little preparation goes a long way in saving you cleanup time later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this recipe, blending creamy and savory elements into one harmonious mix. In a large pot, combine the milk, condensed cream of bacon soup, whipped chive cream cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder). Stir everything well, then bring it to a boil over medium heat.

Why is this step so important? Heating the sauce helps the flavors meld together while ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes.

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Step 3: Cooking the Spaghetti to Perfection

Once your sauce is bubbling away, reduce the heat to medium-low. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and carefully add them to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking – no one wants clumpy pasta! Cook for about 8 minutes, just until the spaghetti is partially tender.

Pro Tip: Partially cooking the spaghetti ensures it will absorb more flavor as it bakes, resulting in a dish that’s not just delicious but downright unforgettable.

Welcome back! Now that we’ve prepared the creamy sauce, partially cooked the spaghetti, and mixed in that irresistible cheese and turkey bacon, it’s time to bring this dish to life. The magic happens in the oven, but first, let’s assemble it all for a show-stopping presentation.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Grab that greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish from earlier – it’s time to layer on the goodness. Pour your creamy spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. The goal here is to make sure every bite gets the perfect blend of sauce, pasta, and turkey bacon.

Once the mixture is smoothed out, it’s time to create that irresistible topping. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Don’t skimp – this layer will turn golden and bubbly in the oven, making it the ultimate finishing touch.

Next, add the ½ cup of turkey bacon bits and a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives. These little bursts of flavor and color will make your baked spaghetti as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Place your assembled dish in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Set a timer for 14–15 minutes, but keep an eye on it toward the end. You’re looking for the cheese topping to be fully melted, with a lightly golden edge that screams “comfort food.”

Pro Tip: If you’re craving a slightly crispier topping, switch your oven to broil for the last minute or two of baking. Just be careful not to let it burn – a watchful eye is key!

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

When you pull the dish out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing and serving easier. Plus, those few minutes of anticipation are just enough to get everyone excited about digging in!

Dish out warm, creamy servings onto plates and prepare to watch your family (or guests) go back for seconds. The combination of smoky turkey bacon, rich cream cheese sauce, and tender spaghetti is truly irresistible.

Customization Tips for Your Baked Spaghetti

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or experimenting with flavors, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.

1. Swap the Meat: Not a fan of turkey bacon? Try regular bacon, diced ham, or even grilled chicken.
2. Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by stirring in cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli before baking.
3. Spice It Up: For a little kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or top with diced jalapeños.
4. Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free for a dish everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti

Not only is this dish absolutely delicious, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, making it a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.

By now, your kitchen is likely filled with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and creamy sauce. As we wrap up this recipe, let’s dive into some commonly asked questions to ensure your Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time. Then, we’ll share some final thoughts to inspire you to make this dish your go-to comfort food.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or place portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

3. Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully! To freeze, assemble the recipe but don’t bake it. Cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

4. What can I serve with this dish?
This baked spaghetti pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For something lighter, roasted vegetables like asparagus or a fresh fruit salad provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

5. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can use other long noodles like fettuccine or linguine. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni is also great for capturing the sauce in every bite.

6. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, simply omit the turkey bacon and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of bacon or cream of chicken. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

7. How can I make the sauce even creamier?
For an ultra-creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before adding the pasta. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience. From the first creamy, smoky bite to the golden, cheesy topping, this dish is all about creating comfort and joy around the dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and special occasions when you want something delicious that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Description

This Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and smoky pasta bake with a healthier twist using turkey bacon. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pasta:

• 4 cups milk
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup (or cream of chicken as an alternative)
• 7.5 oz Philadelphia Whipped Chive cream cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup real turkey bacon bits (or freshly cooked and crumbled turkey bacon)

For the topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• ½ cup real turkey bacon bits

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
In a large pot, combine the milk, condensed cream of bacon soup, whipped chive cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

3️⃣ Cook the spaghetti:
Once the sauce is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking for about 8 minutes, until the spaghetti is partially tender.

4️⃣ Add cheese and turkey bacon:
After 8 minutes, stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of turkey bacon bits. Mix well until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated.

5️⃣ Assemble the dish:
Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped chives, and ½ cup of turkey bacon bits over the top.

6️⃣ Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden around the edges.

7️⃣ Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Dish out warm, creamy servings and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Notes

• Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories.
• Turkey bacon: Cook turkey bacon in advance for extra crispy bits to sprinkle over the top.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6-8