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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheese

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A comforting and easy-to-make spaghetti dish featuring crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and rich tomato flavor. Perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried spaghetti
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk to skillet. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
  5. Add shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Let sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Fold in crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and toss lightly.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with reserved bacon and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispiness. Stir cream cheese mixture gently over low heat to avoid lumps. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a bubbly top, broil with extra cheese for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, bacon spaghetti, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, creamy spaghetti

Find it online: https://islatable.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheese-easy-and-perfect-comfort-meal/