Creamy Bacon Penne Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender penne pasta with crispy bacon in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying. The smoky bacon and creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony for a pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Flavor-packed: Smoky, crispy bacon and creamy sauce make an irresistible combination.
- Comfort food classic: The rich, hearty flavors are pure comfort on a plate.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or protein to make it your own.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Bacon (chopped)
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (remove excess if necessary).
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and bacon: Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch instead of heavy cream.
- Cheese variety: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle works well with this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and heat just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?
Cooking the bacon in a skillet provides the best flavor as you can use the rendered fat to enhance the sauce.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir continuously to ensure smoothness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the bacon with plant-based bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they may separate when reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Conclusion
Creamy Bacon Penne Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe delivers a rich, satisfying meal in no time. Customize it with your favorite additions, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy bacon and creamy sauce!
Print
Creamy Bacon Penne Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in this Creamy Bacon Penne Pasta, a rich and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and topped with crispy bacon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 1 tbsp of the bacon fat in the skillet. - Make the Sauce:
Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked penne pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Stir in crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- Substitute bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a twist.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
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