bacon cream pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bacon cream pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – creamy bacon pasta. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, delicious, and can be tailored to suit any occasion.

Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe always hits the spot. The combination of tender pasta, crispy bacon, and rich cream sauce is a match made in heaven. I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for serving a crowd or just for a cozy night in with the family.

My kids adore helping me make it, and they’re always eager to dig in when it’s finally served. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to customize to suit your taste preferences.

Want more bacon? Add it! Want less cream?

Use less! This recipe is truly adaptable, making it a great choice for any mealtime situation.

Bacon Cream Pasta

4.6 from 778 votes

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring crispy bacon and a velvety parmesan sauce. This comforting meal comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 620 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce

8 slices (about 8 oz / 225 g) bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta, then cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, place the chopped bacon in a large cold skillet and set over medium heat.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered, about 6 to 8 minutes.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
7Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
8Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
9Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using, then taste and adjust salt if needed (the bacon and cheese add saltiness).
11Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce and toss well to coat, using tongs or a wooden spoon.
12If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
13Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
14Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 620 kcal🧈Total Fat: 38g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk and use turkey bacon. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Watch Video Of How Bacon Cream Pasta Works

This creamy bacon pasta recipe is one of my go-to’s when I need something comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for serving at family gatherings or just as a cozy night in with the kids.

And because it’s so easy to customize, you can adjust the amount of cream and add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. For storage ideas, simply let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it overnight.

Reheating is as simple as adding some additional cream or milk to thin out the sauce if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cream Pasta

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A: Any type of pasta will work well with this recipe, but I find that using a shorter pasta shape like penne or fusilli helps the sauce cling better. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

A: Absolutely! While regular bacon adds a richer flavor, turkey bacon is a great option if you’re looking for a leaner alternative. Just be aware that it may have a slightly different texture.

Q: How can I make this recipe more substantial?

A: One way to do this is by adding cooked vegetables like cherry tomatoes or broccoli to the pasta along with the bacon and cream sauce. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp if you want to make it more substantial.

Q: Can I store leftover creamy bacon pasta in the fridge?

A: Yes, you can store leftover creamy bacon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to stir in some additional cream or milk if the sauce has thickened up too much.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: No, this recipe includes bacon which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the bacon with roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.

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