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.