No ratings yet

Cheesy Bacon Pasta

By: Julia Pacheco

This cheesy bacon pasta is a true weeknight hero – rich, unbelievably creamy, and absolutely loaded with savory, crispy bacon. It’s a remarkably fast and filling meal that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick, indulgent treat after a long day.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Save RecipeSaved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces for quicker cooking and crispiness
• ▢ 20 oz box penne pasta, or other short pasta like rotini or ziti
• ▢ ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded (for a subtle kick and excellent melt)
• ▢ 24 oz pasta sauce, your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce
• ▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
• ▢ Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s a secret ingredient for achieving a silky, smooth sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, place a large pan over medium heat on your stove. Add the bacon strips and cook them until they are wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble it into delicious, bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the rendered bacon fat in the pan – it’s packed with flavor and will be used for the sauce!
• Return to the same pan where you cooked the bacon, keeping a tablespoon or two of the rendered fat for flavor. Add your preferred pasta sauce to the pan and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to heat through. Stir in the cooked al dente pasta, the shredded pepper jack cheese, and the crumbled crispy bacon. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese is beautifully melted and the sauce evenly coats the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video: Quick & Easy Meal Ideas

While this video features $3 extreme grocery budget meals, it offers fantastic insights into quick and easy cooking from Julia Pacheco, embodying the same spirit of efficiency and deliciousness found in this Cheesy Bacon Pasta recipe. Watch for more tips and inspiration to simplify your meal planning!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional value of your meals can be an important part of a balanced diet. This section provides an approximation of the nutritional content per serving for this Cheesy Bacon Pasta recipe. Keep in mind that exact values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 115g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1045mg | Potassium: 876mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 853IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is provided for informational purposes only. It should be used as an approximation, as ingredient brands and preparation methods can slightly alter the final values.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesy Bacon Pasta

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

• Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The smoky, salty crunch of bacon perfectly complements the rich, savory depth of the pasta sauce and the creamy, piquant notes of pepper jack cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors that satisfies every palate.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more rewarding. This makes it a perfect choice for hectic weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: With just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours. This simplicity ensures that you can whip it up even when your pantry seems bare.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with pasta, protein from the bacon, and a rich sauce, this dish is incredibly filling. It’s comfort food at its finest, providing warmth and satisfaction with every forkful.
• Customizable and Versatile: While delicious as is, this recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or experiment with different types of pasta to make it truly your own.

Perfecting Your Cheesy Bacon Pasta: Tips & Tricks

Achieving restaurant-quality results with this simple recipe is easy with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your cheesy bacon pasta is nothing short of spectacular:

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

• Quality Bacon: While any bacon works, a good quality, thick-cut bacon will render more fat and provide richer flavor and a better texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bacon varieties like applewood smoked for an extra layer of flavor.
• Al Dente Pasta is Key: Overcooked pasta turns mushy and loses its appeal. Always cook your pasta according to the package directions, or even slightly undercook it, to ensure it remains al dente – firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
• The Right Cheese: Pepper Jack cheese offers a fantastic melt and a subtle spicy kick that elevates the dish. If you prefer less spice, a sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan would be excellent substitutes. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Pasta Sauce: Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or your favorite homemade pasta sauce. The flavor of the sauce is a central component, so choose one you love.

Mastering the Cooking Process

• Crispy Bacon Perfection: Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render properly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon without burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Don’t Waste the Bacon Fat: A tablespoon or two of the rendered bacon fat left in the pan is liquid gold! It adds incredible depth of flavor to your pasta sauce. If there’s too much, simply pour out the excess, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This is a chef’s secret! The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silky smooth and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Gentle Mixing: Once all ingredients are in the pan, mix gently but thoroughly. You want the cheese to melt evenly and the pasta to be fully coated without breaking the pasta strands or mashing the bacon.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Bacon and pasta sauce already contain salt, so add sparingly at first.

Customizing Your Cheesy Bacon Pasta Creation

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. This Cheesy Bacon Pasta is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment with various additions and substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add More Vegetables:
  • Spinach or Kale: Wilt in fresh spinach or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens and nutrients.
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the bacon fat before adding the sauce for an earthy flavor.
  • Bell Peppers and Onions: Dice and sauté bell peppers and onions for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Boost the Protein:
  • Chicken: Add cooked, shredded chicken breast for a more substantial meal.
  • Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) and crumble it in with the bacon for a different flavor profile.
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking shrimp can be added at the very end and cooked until pink.
• Cheese Variations:
  • Beyond pepper jack, consider a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, classic cheesy flavor.
  • For a richer, nuttier taste, try smoked Gouda or Gruyère.
  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top before serving adds a salty, umami finish.
• Spice It Up:
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the pasta sauce.
  • A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also provide a fiery kick.
• Creamier Texture:
  • For an even more luxurious and creamy sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the pasta sauce and cheese.

What to Serve with Cheesy Bacon Pasta

While this cheesy bacon pasta is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a simple side can create a more complete and balanced meal.

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious cheesy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans lightly steamed or roasted with a touch of olive oil and garlic make a healthy and delicious accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheesy Bacon Pasta

Can I prepare Cheesy Bacon Pasta ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta can absorb too much sauce and become soft if left for too long. However, you can prep components like cooking the bacon and shredding the cheese in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta and heated sauce just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cheesy bacon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, as the pasta will absorb liquid as it cools.

Can this recipe be frozen?

While technically possible, pasta dishes with creamy sauces and cheese generally don’t freeze and reheat exceptionally well. The pasta can become mushy, and the sauce might separate. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding liquid as needed.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is excellent because its ridges and hollow centers are perfect for holding the creamy sauce and small bacon bits. Other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or even cavatappi would also work wonderfully.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You can replace its savory crunch with sautéed mushrooms, smoked paprika, or a vegetarian bacon substitute. The cheesy pasta sauce will still be wonderfully flavorful.

From Our Kitchen to Yours: Enjoy Every Bite!

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta recipe embodies everything I love about home cooking: it’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal.

I genuinely hope you enjoy preparing and devouring this delightful pasta as much as I do. Don’t forget to check out my new cookbook for even more inspiring recipes designed to make your culinary life easier and more delicious. And once you’ve tried this Cheesy Bacon Pasta, please consider leaving a comment below to share your experience and any unique twists you added. Your feedback is always appreciated!

Happy cooking, and bon appétit!