Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake
Craving something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly good? This Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake is packed with crispy bacon, a rich, velvety sauce, and plenty of melty cheese—baked to golden perfection!
If there’s one thing the world can agree on, it’s that bacon makes everything better—and this Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake is proof.
It features tender penne coated in a rich, cheesy, creamy sauce, studded with crispy bacon and juicy diced tomatoes, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Sounds like dinner goals, right?
This is comfort food done right—hearty, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make.
It’s also versatile—add your favorite veggies like spinach or peas for a fresh twist, or spice it up with a dash of chili flakes.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later (if there are any!), this Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bacon + Cheese = Pure Happiness – Enough said.
✔ Creamy & Dreamy – The sauce is smooth, rich, and coats every bite.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Bake it all in one dish for minimal cleanup.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance, then bake when ready.
✔ Leftovers? Even Better! – It tastes amazing the next day.
Ingredients
● 12 oz penne pasta
● 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 small onion, diced
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● 1 ½ cups heavy cream
● 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
● ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
● ¼ cup reserved pasta water
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
● Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
● Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Aromatics
● In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
● Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
● Add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until soft.
● Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
● Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined.
● Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
● If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Combine & Assemble
● Add the cooked penne and crumbled bacon to the sauce, tossing to coat.
● Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
● Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan for that golden, cheesy crust.
5. Bake to Perfection
● Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
● Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Garnish & Serve
● Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
● Serve warm and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake is the definition of weeknight comfort food—easy to throw together, crazy delicious, and packed with all the good stuff (bacon, cheese, and pasta—what more do you need?).
It’s great for meal prep, reheats like a dream, and works for everything from casual dinners to potlucks.
Serve it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that no one will complain about.
Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation! 🍝🧀🥓
FAQs
➤ Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, ziti, or rotini would work just as well.
➤ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time).
➤ Can I add veggies?
For sure! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions.
➤ What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Enjoy your cheesy, bacon-loaded pasta night!
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