When you’re craving a dinner that perfectly balances indulgence with simplicity, this bacon pasta recipe delivers everything you could want in a single bowl. Drawing inspiration from both Italian culinary traditions and American comfort food sensibilities, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The magic begins with crispy bacon, which lends its smoky richness to every strand of spaghetti, while fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth that fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.
Bacon Pasta
At the heart of this bacon pasta lies a luxuriously creamy sauce that brings together the tangy brightness of cherry tomatoes, the velvety smoothness of heavy cream, and the sharp nuttiness of Parmesan cheese.
The addition of cream cheese creates an extra layer of richness that coats each piece of pasta beautifully, while a carefully balanced blend of dried oregano, basil, and mustard powder adds complexity without overwhelming the palate.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how the chicken broth deglazes the pan, capturing all those caramelized bacon bits and transforming them into pure flavor that permeates the entire dish.Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this bacon pasta comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients List
Seasoning Blend:
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat lovers)
Main Ingredients:
- 5 slices bacon (thick-cut works beautifully)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large skillet over low heat – patience is key here for achieving perfectly crispy bacon. Lay the bacon slices flat in the cold pan, allowing them to render slowly and evenly. Cook the bacon until it reaches that perfect balance of crispy edges and slightly chewy centers, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on both sides. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Here’s the crucial step: reserve exactly 1 tablespoon of that liquid gold (bacon drippings) in the skillet. Take a moment to remove any blackened bits that might taste bitter, but keep those beautiful browned pieces stuck to the pan – they’re flavor bombs waiting to enhance your sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still warm and fragrant with bacon essence, add your minced garlic to the reserved drippings over medium heat. Pour just a splash of chicken broth into the pan – you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as it hits the hot surface. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan methodically, lifting all those caramelized treasures from the surface. Continue this process, adding small splashes of broth while stirring the garlic for 1-2 minutes. This technique, known as deglazing, ensures that every bit of bacon flavor makes its way into your final dish rather than staying stuck to the pan.
3. Prepare the Sauce
Once your pan is properly deglazed and the garlic is fragrant, pour in the remaining chicken broth. Now it’s time to build your flavor foundation: stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves completely, followed by your pre-mixed seasoning blend and the heavy cream. Watch as the sauce transforms into a beautiful peachy-pink color. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add your cherry tomatoes whole – they’ll burst naturally during cooking, releasing their sweet juices into the sauce. Sprinkle in those red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then drop in the room-temperature cream cheese. Stir patiently until the cream cheese melts completely, creating an impossibly smooth and creamy base. Partially cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
4. Cook the Pasta
While your sauce develops its deep flavors, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Here’s a pro tip: cook the pasta for exactly one minute less than the package directions suggest. This ensures your spaghetti will be perfectly al dente after it finishes cooking in the sauce. The pasta should have a slight firmness when you bite into it – this texture is crucial for the best bacon pasta experience.
5. Finish the Sauce
Taste your simmering sauce and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed – remember that both bacon and Parmesan add saltiness, so go easy here. Reduce the heat to low; this is critical for the next step. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly with a gentle hand. If the sauce is too hot, the cheese will seize up and become grainy rather than melting smoothly. You want a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into your sauce – don’t drain it completely, as the starchy pasta water clinging to the noodles helps bind everything together. Toss the pasta vigorously in the sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated in that creamy, bacon-infused goodness. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for an additional minute; this crucial step allows the spaghetti to absorb the flavors while the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency.
7. Serve
Chop your reserved crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and scatter them generously over the plated pasta. The contrast between the hot, creamy pasta and the crispy bacon creates textural magic in every bite. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley – its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness beautifully. Serve immediately while everything is hot and at its peak deliciousness. For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair this bacon pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread with cheese.
Summary
SummaryThis bacon pasta recipe combines the best of Italian-American cuisine in just 30 minutes, featuring crispy bacon, burst cherry tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly. The secret lies in properly deglazing the pan and incorporating cream cheese for extra richness
.Ready to experience pasta perfection? Try this bacon pasta recipe tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food! We’d love to hear about your culinary adventure , share your results in the review section below or leave a comment telling us about any creative twists you added. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes delivered straight to your inbox every week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this bacon pasta recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen it, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and bacon.
Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream in this bacon pasta?
A: Half-and-half works wonderfully for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides excellent creaminess, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor. Cashew cream also makes an excellent vegan alternative that maintains the luxurious texture.
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this bacon pasta sauce works beautifully with fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even bow-tie pasta. Choose shapes with ridges or curves to catch more of that delicious sauce. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.
Q: Why did my cheese sauce become grainy?
A: Grainy cheese sauce usually results from adding cheese to a sauce that’s too hot. Always reduce heat to low before adding Parmesan, and stir constantly while adding it gradually. If your sauce does become grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine to help smooth it out.
Q: Can I make this bacon pasta healthier without sacrificing flavor?
A: Yes! Use turkey bacon for less fat, substitute Greek yogurt for half the heavy cream, add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the cream cheese to 1 tablespoon while maintaining creaminess.
Q: What wine pairs best with bacon pasta?
A: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or medium-bodied Chianti Classico complements the tomatoes and bacon perfectly without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: Use plenty of boiling water (at least 4 quarts for 8 oz pasta), stir immediately after adding pasta, and don’t add oil to the water – it prevents sauce from adhering. Most importantly, toss the pasta with sauce immediately after cooking rather than letting it sit.
Q: Can I freeze leftover bacon pasta?
A: While possible, cream-based sauces don’t freeze ideally as they can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with added cream, stirring frequently to recombine the sauce.
Creamy Bacon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Seasoning Blend:
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for heat lovers
- Main Ingredients:
- 5 slices bacon thick-cut works beautifully
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
- Begin by heating a large skillet over low heat – patience is key here for achieving perfectly crispy bacon. Lay the bacon slices flat in the cold pan, allowing them to render slowly and evenly. Cook the bacon until it reaches that perfect balance of crispy edges and slightly chewy centers, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on both sides. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Here’s the crucial step: reserve exactly 1 tablespoon of that liquid gold (bacon drippings) in the skillet. Take a moment to remove any blackened bits that might taste bitter, but keep those beautiful browned pieces stuck to the pan – they’re flavor bombs waiting to enhance your sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic
- With the skillet still warm and fragrant with bacon essence, add your minced garlic to the reserved drippings over medium heat. Pour just a splash of chicken broth into the pan – you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as it hits the hot surface. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the bottom of the pan methodically, lifting all those caramelized treasures from the surface. Continue this process, adding small splashes of broth while stirring the garlic for 1-2 minutes. This technique, known as deglazing, ensures that every bit of bacon flavor makes its way into your final dish rather than staying stuck to the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Once your pan is properly deglazed and the garlic is fragrant, pour in the remaining chicken broth. Now it’s time to build your flavor foundation: stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves completely, followed by your pre-mixed seasoning blend and the heavy cream. Watch as the sauce transforms into a beautiful peachy-pink color. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add your cherry tomatoes whole – they’ll burst naturally during cooking, releasing their sweet juices into the sauce. Sprinkle in those red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then drop in the room-temperature cream cheese. Stir patiently until the cream cheese melts completely, creating an impossibly smooth and creamy base. Partially cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
- Cook the Pasta
- While your sauce develops its deep flavors, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Here’s a pro tip: cook the pasta for exactly one minute less than the package directions suggest. This ensures your spaghetti will be perfectly al dente after it finishes cooking in the sauce. The pasta should have a slight firmness when you bite into it – this texture is crucial for the best bacon pasta experience.
- Finish the Sauce
- Taste your simmering sauce and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed – remember that both bacon and Parmesan add saltiness, so go easy here. Reduce the heat to low; this is critical for the next step. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly with a gentle hand. If the sauce is too hot, the cheese will seize up and become grainy rather than melting smoothly. You want a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into your sauce – don’t drain it completely, as the starchy pasta water clinging to the noodles helps bind everything together. Toss the pasta vigorously in the sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated in that creamy, bacon-infused goodness. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for an additional minute; this crucial step allows the spaghetti to absorb the flavors while the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency.
- Serve
- Chop your reserved crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and scatter them generously over the plated pasta. The contrast between the hot, creamy pasta and the crispy bacon creates textural magic in every bite. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley – its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness beautifully. Serve immediately while everything is hot and at its peak deliciousness. For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair this bacon pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread with cheese.
