Creamy Bacon Pasta
A rich, creamy bacon pasta recipe featuring crisp bacon, sautéed onion, garlic, and a silky Parmesan-cream sauce—ready in under 30 minutes for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (5–7 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan; discard the rest.
- Add olive oil and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until soft (3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and mozzarella (if using), stirring until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
- Toss pasta into the sauce until well coated. Add bacon and mix again.
- Serve hot. Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.