Print

Creamy Bacon Pasta: Easy 20-Minute Comfort Dinner

creamy bacon pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy bacon pasta is a quick and indulgent comfort dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. With crispy bacon, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s the perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz bacon, chopped
  • 12 oz pasta (short shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse.
  2. Place chopped bacon in a cold large skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (6-8 minutes).
  3. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
  4. Add minced garlic to the hot bacon fat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water and toss again. Add more water if needed for desired consistency.
  9. Fold in crispy bacon bits, reserving some for garnish. Season with black pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan for best rendering. Do not overcook garlic. Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth sauce. Reserve more pasta water than needed. Serve immediately to avoid dry pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, 20-minute dinner, comfort food, bacon pasta

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-bacon-pasta-easy-20-minute-comfort-dinner/