This Creamy Bacon Pasta offers the ultimate comfort food experience, blending rich, indulgent flavors with the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon. Trust me, you’ll love this decadent dish, perfect for any weeknight dinner. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a delightful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce, savory bacon, and Parmesan cheese create a mouth-watering dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will adore this delicious pasta.
Ingredients For Creamy Bacon Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need for this Creamy Bacon Pasta recipe. Don’t worry about the measurements right now— you’ll find them in the recipe card below.
- Pasta: The base of the dish; use your favorite type, such as penne or fettuccine.
- Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element to the pasta.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and create the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant aroma.
- Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, creamy texture.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, savory flavor.
- Garlic Powder: enhances the garlic flavor but doesn’t overpower the flavor of the dish.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a hint of heat.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for a touch of freshness.
NOTE: The ingredients with measurement will be added to the recipe card’s content.
How to Make the Creamy Bacon Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Prepare the pasta in accordance with the directions on the package until it is al at a good al dente. Rinse and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Reserve about two tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the minced garlic in the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the pasta cooked in the skillet and mix with the creamy sauce. Add the bacon crumbles and cook for about 2 minutes, until everything is mixed and cooked. Sprinkle with fresh parsley If you like.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a stronger flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy: This ensures a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Bacon Pasta
Here’s how you can serve this creamy and delightful pasta:
- Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
- Side Dish: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in a sealed airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator over a period of 3 or more days.
Freezing
Freeze in a freezer-safe container at least 3 months. Thaw over night in the refrigerator prior to heating.
Reheating
Heat in the microwave or in the oven at 350degF for about 30 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or whole wheat pasta.
- How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter version.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives to Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy this rich and indulgent Creamy Bacon Pasta with your loved ones! It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
