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Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for the cheesy goodness that’s about to happen.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it on a paper towel to drain. Save a little bacon fat in the pan for the next step—it adds flavor!
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is smooth and well-combined. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until well-coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Top the pasta with an extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese, and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once the dish is out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately—trust me, it won’t last long!
Why This Dish Drives My Family Crazy
This isn’t just a meal—it’s pure comfort in a dish. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:
- Cheesy Goodness: With both cream cheese and cheddar, the sauce is rich, creamy, and indulgent.
- Bacon: Let’s face it, bacon makes everything better. The salty, crispy bacon adds an amazing crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Perfectly Baked: The top layer of cheese gets golden and crispy, adding texture to the creamy, saucy pasta underneath.
- Unstoppable Flavor: The combination of cream, bacon, and cheese is simply too good to resist. You’ll find yourself sneaking a bite long after dinner is over.
A Family Tradition in the Making
While I might be a little embarrassed by the utter lack of table manners when this dish is served, there’s something wonderful about seeing everyone so excited about a meal. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about bringing people together, creating memories, and sharing moments of joy.
So, if you’re looking to make a dish that will have your family fighting over the last bite and laughing about it for days, this cheesy bacon pasta bake is your answer. It’s a bit decadent, a little indulgent, and entirely irresistible. Your family will lose all decency, but in the best possible way!
Conclusion
There’s no shame in making a dish that causes a little chaos at the dinner table—if anything, it’s a sign of a truly amazing recipe! The cheesy bacon pasta bake is bound to become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again, and who knows? Your family might even start demanding it at every holiday gathering.
Do you have a family dish that causes similar “decency loss”? Let me know! We could all use a little more chaos and comfort in our lives. 😋
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