Delicious Turkey Bacon Cheese Baked Spaghetti Recipe You Must Try

Craving Ultimate Comfort Food? This Creamy Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti is Your Answer!

Are you searching for that perfect, soul-warming dish that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? In a world flooded with quick dinners, finding a recipe that hits all the right notes – creamy, cheesy, savory, and utterly satisfying – can feel like a quest. Well, your quest ends here! This creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti is loaded with savory turkey bacon, chive cream cheese, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food dish that your whole family will adore. Forget bland pasta bakes; this recipe elevates baked spaghetti to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.

Ingredients for Turkey Bacon Cheese Baked Spaghetti

This recipe relies on a harmonious blend of textures and flavors to create a truly memorable dish. The star ingredients come together to create a symphony of comfort:

• 1 pound spaghetti: The classic backbone of any spaghetti dish. Look for good quality pasta that holds its shape well during baking. Whole wheat spaghetti is a great healthier alternative.
• 1 pound ground turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crispness without the grease of pork bacon. Choose a good quality ground turkey bacon for the best flavor. If you can’t find ground, you can finely chop regular turkey bacon.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that savory aroma and taste. Fresh garlic is always best for its pungent kick.
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: This is the secret to our creamy sauce! Chive & Onion cream cheese adds an extra layer of flavor, but plain works too. Ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth blending.
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Helps to create a smooth, luscious sauce consistency. Use dairy-free milk if needed.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty, salty element that enhances the overall richness. Freshly grated is always superior to pre-shredded.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For that irresistible, gooey, melty cheese pull. A blend of mild and sharp mozzarella can offer more complex flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: Adds a fresh, mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness. Alternatively, use green onions or parsley.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Recipe Timing

Compared to the average baked spaghetti that often requires longer baking times or multiple stages, this recipe is remarkably efficient. The 20-minute prep time is ample for browning the turkey bacon and chopping aromatics, while the 30-minute cook time ensures a perfectly melty, bubbly dish without a lengthy wait. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by browning your turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned and somewhat crispy, drain off any excess fat, leaving just a tablespoon or two in the skillet. Remove the cooked turkey bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain further. This step ensures that your bacon bits are perfectly crisp and not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet (with the reserved fat), add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté it over medium heat until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The aroma building in your kitchen right now is just the beginning!

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir until it starts to melt and combine with the aromatics. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

While you’re making the sauce, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti well. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in most of the cooked turkey bacon and chopped chives (save a little for garnish). Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with the reserved turkey bacon and chives. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this delicious baked spaghetti offers:

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (this can vary significantly with cheese and pasta quantities).
• Protein: Around 25-35g (from turkey bacon, cheese, and pasta).
• Fat: Approximately 20-30g (mostly from cheese and cream cheese).
• Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g (from spaghetti).

Please note: These are estimates and can be adjusted with ingredient substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up this comfort classic without sacrificing flavor? Here are some simple swaps:

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Boost fiber content and added nutrients.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese & Milk: Reduce saturated fat.
• Lean Ground Turkey: If you can’t find turkey bacon, or want even less fat, use lean ground turkey and add a pinch of smoked paprika and extra salt for that smoky flavor.
• More Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli florets or sautéed spinach for added nutrients and fiber.
• Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella for a similar melt with less fat.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkey Bacon Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce is always a popular choice for a more indulgent meal. For a complete family dinner, consider serving it with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

* Overcooking the Spaghetti: Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente.
* **Not Softening the Cream Cheese:** Lumpy cream cheese makes for a less smooth sauce.
* Using Stale Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and good quality mozzarella make a significant difference in flavor.
* Skipping the Browning Step: Properly browning the turkey bacon and sautéing the aromatics builds essential flavor depth.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results when reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-melt the cheese.

A Comfort Food Masterpiece

This Delicious Turkey Bacon Cheese Baked Spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warm hug on a chilly evening, the comforting aroma that fills your home, and the satisfied smiles around your dinner table. The combination of savory turkey bacon, creamy chive cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella over perfectly cooked spaghetti is simply irresistible. Don’t wait another minute to try this guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

Turkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

Thiscreamy, cheesy baked spaghettiis loaded withsavory turkey bacon, chive cream cheese, and melty mozzarellafor the ultimate comfort food dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

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Ingredients

• ✅For the Spaghetti:4 cupsmilk10.5 ozcondensedcream of baconsoup7.5 ozPhiladelphia Whipped Chive cream cheese1 teaspoonsalt1 teaspoonblack pepper1 tablespoongarlic powder1 tablespoononion powder1lb spaghetti2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese½ cupreal turkey bacon bits✅For the Topping:2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese1 tablespoonchopped chives½ cupreal turkey bacon bits
• ✅For the Topping:2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese1 tablespoonchopped chives½ cupreal turkey bacon bits

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Instructions

1. 1️⃣Preheat oven: Set your oven to400°F (200°C). Grease a9×13-inch baking dishand set aside.2️⃣Make the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, combinemilk, cream of bacon soup, whipped chive cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.3️⃣Cook the pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Reduce heat tomedium-lowand cook for8 minutes, stirring occasionally.4️⃣Add cheese & turkey bacon: Stir in2 cups of shredded mozzarellaand½ cup of turkey bacon bits, mixing until fully incorporated.5️⃣Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into theprepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.6️⃣Add toppings: Sprinkle the top with2 more cups of shredded mozzarella, chopped chives, and turkey bacon bits.7️⃣Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for14-15 minutes, or until the cheese isfully meltedand slightly golden around the edges.8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.
2. 2️⃣Make the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, combinemilk, cream of bacon soup, whipped chive cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
3. 3️⃣Cook the pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Reduce heat tomedium-lowand cook for8 minutes, stirring occasionally.4️⃣Add cheese & turkey bacon: Stir in2 cups of shredded mozzarellaand½ cup of turkey bacon bits, mixing until fully incorporated.5️⃣Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into theprepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.6️⃣Add toppings: Sprinkle the top with2 more cups of shredded mozzarella, chopped chives, and turkey bacon bits.7️⃣Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for14-15 minutes, or until the cheese isfully meltedand slightly golden around the edges.8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.
4. 4️⃣Add cheese & turkey bacon: Stir in2 cups of shredded mozzarellaand½ cup of turkey bacon bits, mixing until fully incorporated.5️⃣Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into theprepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.6️⃣Add toppings: Sprinkle the top with2 more cups of shredded mozzarella, chopped chives, and turkey bacon bits.7️⃣Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for14-15 minutes, or until the cheese isfully meltedand slightly golden around the edges.8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.
5. 5️⃣Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into theprepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. 6️⃣Add toppings: Sprinkle the top with2 more cups of shredded mozzarella, chopped chives, and turkey bacon bits.7️⃣Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for14-15 minutes, or until the cheese isfully meltedand slightly golden around the edges.8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.
7. 7️⃣Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for14-15 minutes, or until the cheese isfully meltedand slightly golden around the edges.8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.
8. 8️⃣Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti sit fora few minutesbefore serving.

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Notes

🥗 Serve with afresh saladorgarlic breadfor a complete meal.🌶 Add a littlered pepper flakesfor a spicy kick.🧀 Mix in someparmesan cheesefor extra cheesiness.ThisTurkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghettiis creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky turkey bacon flavor.Enjoy!
ThisTurkey Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghettiis creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky turkey bacon flavor.Enjoy!