The kitchen was quiet, just the gentle sizzle of bacon breaking the silence. I had no grand dinner plan—just a lingering craving for something creamy, savory, and satisfying. Spaghetti was already in the pantry, and a few slices of bacon were sitting in the fridge begging to be used.

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I didn’t follow a recipe that night—I followed my instincts and tastebuds. What came out of that spontaneous cooking session was a silky, bacon-kissed spaghetti dish that has now become a staple in my dinner rotation.

Each time I revisit this dish, it brings back the comforting calm of that evening. It’s rich without being heavy, bold with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight. The aroma of onions softening in bacon drippings, the crackle of garlic, the way Parmesan melts into cream—it all weaves into one luscious bite after another.

You don’t need to be a chef to make this. If you’ve got basic ingredients and a little love for pasta, this one’s for you. Let’s cook this beauty together—you’ll taste comfort and joy in every forkful.

Short Description

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti is a rich and savory pasta dish made with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy nights.

Key Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped
½ small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz spaghetti
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 egg yolk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Medium pot
Pasta strainer
Tongs or pasta fork
Ladle (for pasta water)
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 7-9 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but leave about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown—it should just release its aroma.

Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce skillet heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir often to avoid scorching the cream.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Mix in the Bacon
Stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Make sure they’re well distributed so each bite has a salty crunch.

Step 7: Optional Cream Boost
Remove the skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg yolk for extra richness. Work fast so it blends in smoothly without scrambling.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve hot. The sauce should be silky, and the spaghetti strands glossy with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Satisfying Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce and crispy bacon is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Quick & Easy: You’ll have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, which is great for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

Versatile: You can easily make this dish your own by adding vegetables, extra protein, or even a touch of spice to suit your taste.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Bacon Too Greasy: If the bacon releases too much fat while cooking, drain some of it off before continuing. You only need a small amount to sauté the onions and garlic.

Solution: After removing the bacon, pour off excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.

2. Sauce Too Thick: If the cream sauce becomes too thick or clumpy, don’t panic. Simply add a little of the reserved pasta water and stir until smooth.

Solution: Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.

3. Overcooked Pasta: If your spaghetti is overcooked, it may become mushy and won’t hold up in the creamy sauce.

Solution: Always cook the pasta al dente, so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Main Course: Serve this creamy bacon spaghetti as the star of your meal with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette.

Pair with Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables will complement the richness of the pasta.

Drink Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp, cold beer pairs wonderfully with this indulgent dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it to al dente.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! You can replace the bacon with cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
While the pasta may lose some of its texture when frozen, you can still freeze the sauce and bacon. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best results.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamy sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding some pasta water to bring it back to the right consistency.

5. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick if you prefer.

Tips & Tricks

Extra Flavor: For even more depth, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Save Some Bacon Fat: If you love bacon as much as I do, save any leftover bacon fat in a jar for future cooking—it adds great flavor to sautéed vegetables or scrambled eggs.

Recipe Variations

Veggie Twist: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Creamier Sauce: Use half-and-half or a mix of heavy cream and whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce, without sacrificing creaminess.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda to create a unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This creamy bacon spaghetti is comforting, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly balances the smooth creaminess of the sauce.

Plus, it’s quick to make and requires minimal effort—ideal for busy days when you want something that feels like a treat without taking hours to prepare. This pasta dish is sure to leave everyone at the table satisfied. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen!

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti