Irresistible Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

The moment you take a whiff of this Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake, the aroma wraps around you like a warm hug from an old friend. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta nestled in a sea of creamy goodness, punctuated by crispy bacon bits that dance on your taste buds. cheeseburger pasta casserole It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about your diet and embrace the delicious chaos of life. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish for a gathering; my friends practically devoured it before I could even snap a photo. Between the laughter and the clinking of glasses, we all agreed it was an instant classic. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, this pasta bake promises to be the star of your next culinary adventure.

I’ll never forget when my cousin tried this recipe for the first time; he declared it “life-changing” while licking the cheesy goodness from his fork.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: I recommend using penne or rotini for their ability to hold onto all that creamy sauce. creamy garlic chicken.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness; nobody likes soggy bacon!
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to give your pasta bake that irresistible cheesy punch.
• Cream Cheese: This adds incredible creaminess; make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
• Garlic Powder: A little goes a long way in enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Milk: Use whole milk for a richer sauce; skim milk just won’t cut it here!
• Italian Seasoning: This blend adds a delightful herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent any cheesy disasters later.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions—remember, it’ll cook more in the oven!

Crisp Up That Bacon!: In a skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels while you keep an eye on those delicious drippings.

Create Your Cheesy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth—this is where magic happens!

Toss It All Together!: In your large pot with drained pasta, add in crispy bacon and cheese mixture. Mix well until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.

Bake Until Golden Brown!: Transfer everything into your greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—it should smell heavenly!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then fry the bacon until crispy while preparing your cheese sauce for seamless flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bacon for cooked chicken or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition and color. bbq chicken marinade.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results, keeping it moist with a splash of milk.

Sharing this creamy bacon cheese pasta bake with friends brought back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food that everyone loved. grilled chicken with broccoli

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with cooking time around 30 minutes total.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and add your favorite veggies or plant-based protein.

What types of cheese work best?

A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates the perfect cheesy goodness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting, indulgent dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious cheese sauce and crispy bacon. This family-friendly recipe is not only easy to whip up but also guaranteed to be the highlight of your gathering. With its inviting golden crust and rich flavors, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
3. Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
5. Combine drained pasta with bacon and cheese mixture; stir well.
6. Transfer to the baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg