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CREAMY BACON PASTA

Sana Umer
Creamy Bacon Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish made with crispy bacon, a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, and tender pasta. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is packed with bold, comforting flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional
  • Fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions
 

Step No.1: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step No.2: Cook the Bacon

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step No.3: Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.

Step No.4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step No.5: Serve

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: Any pasta shape works, but penne or fettuccine hold the sauce well.
  • Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Cream Alternative: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
  • Extra Flavor: A splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes adds a nice touch.
  • Chicken Bacon Pasta: Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Spicy Creamy Bacon Pasta: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Mushroom Bacon Pasta: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
  • Lighter Version: Use milk instead of cream and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
  • Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta: Replace bacon with shrimp for a seafood option.
Keyword bacon alfredo, easy pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner