Indulge in the rich flavors of crispy bacon and savory Parmesan cheese with our irresistible Parmesan Bacon Pasta recipe! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends and family, this creamy and flavorful pasta dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Pasta Dish
- Decadent Flavor. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bacon and nutty Parmesan cheese in every bite.
- Creamy Texture. Indulge in the creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta, providing a comforting and satisfying experience.
- Simple Preparation. With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
- Versatile Dish. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
Indulge in the creamy richness and crispy goodness of our Parmesan Bacon Pasta recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures with each delicious bite!
Is Bacon Pasta Good?
Bacon pasta, such as Parmesan Bacon Pasta, is incredibly delicious! The combination of crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and savory Parmesan cheese creates a flavor profile that is rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. The saltiness of the bacon complements the creaminess of the sauce, while the smoky aroma adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta– Choose your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
- Bacon– Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.
- Garlic- Freshly minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste of the sauce.
- Heavy cream– Creamy and rich, heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, providing a luxurious texture.
- Parmesan cheese– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
- Salt and pepper– Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Fresh parsley– Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How To Make Bacon Pasta
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the cream simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Pasta and Cheese. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Incorporate the Bacon. Once the sauce is ready, add the crumbled bacon to the skillet, reserving some for garnish if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy. Transfer the Parmesan Bacon Pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make delicious bacon pasta:
- Choose the Right Bacon. Opt for thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. It adds a hearty and smoky taste to the dish.
- Balance the Flavors. Bacon is salty, so be mindful of adding additional salt to the dish. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente. Cook the pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) to ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for parmesan bacon pasta:
- Spinach and Bacon Pasta– Add fresh spinach leaves to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach, adding color and nutrients to the dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Bacon Pasta– Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. They complement the smokiness of the bacon and add richness to the sauce.
- Mushroom and Bacon Pasta– Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor. Shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms work well in this dish.
What To Serve With Bacon Pasta
When serving bacon pasta, you may want to complement its rich flavors with some light and fresh sides. Here are some ideas for dishes that pair well with it:
- Salad– A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon pasta.
- Garlic Bread– Crusty garlic bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the pasta dish. Plus, the garlic flavor enhances the overall meal.
- Vegetables– Serve a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add some healthy greens to the meal and balance out the richness of the pasta.
How Long Does It Last?
Bacon pasta can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. However, the shelf life may vary depending on the freshness of the ingredients used.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze bacon pasta for longer-term storage. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Allow the bacon pasta to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn.
- Portion the pasta into individual servings or divide it into meal-sized portions based on your needs.
- Label each container or bag with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.
- Place the sealed containers or bags in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the bacon pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally.
More Perfect Pasta Recipes
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 626kcal
Click on highlighted ingredients or Equipment to see exactly what I use to make this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the cream simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Add the Pasta and Cheese. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Incorporate the Bacon. Once the sauce is ready, add the crumbled bacon to the skillet, reserving some for garnish if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy. Transfer the Parmesan Bacon Pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors!
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Nutrition
Calories: 626kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 37g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g