Irresistible Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Imagine a bubbling dish of creamy pasta, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat and your stomach do a little happy dance. The aroma of crispy bacon wafts through the air, mingling with rich cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that invites you to dig in. Each bite of this Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake is like a warm hug on a cold day, comforting and satisfying in every way imaginable. For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

Now picture this delightful dish gracing your dinner table on a cozy night in with friends or family. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress but also keep things relaxed and fun. The anticipation builds as you pull it from the oven, golden and bubbly, promising an explosion of flavor that no one can resist.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Any kind works, but I prefer penne for its ability to hold onto sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: This is the star ingredient for that luscious creaminess we crave.
• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for an extra crunch and savory flavor explosion.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese; it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds nutty depth and enhances the overall cheesiness.
• Garlic Powder: This gives our bake an aromatic kick that’s hard to resist.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking when we pop our pasta bake inside later.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente—about two minutes less than package instructions suggest. Drain it well.

Fry the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, fry your bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving some drippings behind for flavor.

Create the Sauce: In that same skillet, pour in heavy cream along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir over low heat until heated through but not boiling. Add in half of both cheeses, stirring until melted into gooey goodness.

Add Pasta & Bacon: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce along with crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until well-coated in that creamy dreaminess.

Bake It!: Transfer your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoying this Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s an experience filled with laughter and shared moments around the dinner table. So grab your baking dish, channel your inner chef, and let’s get cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente while simultaneously frying the bacon until crispy. Combine everything with the sauce for a harmonious dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the bacon for chicken or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to enhance flavors and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain creaminess.

Sharing this dish with friends always brings me joy, especially when they ask for seconds and rave about its creamy goodness.

FAQ

Can I make this creamy bacon cheese pasta bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything, then cover and refrigerate before baking.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide great flavor and melting qualities in this dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of this creamy bacon cheese pasta bake?

Yes! Simply replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for added flavor.

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Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and cozy vibes. With creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, this pasta bake is perfect for gatherings or a relaxed night in. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it will become a favorite at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, fry bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble, leaving some drippings.
4. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet; heat gently. Stir in half of both cheeses until melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the sauce; mix well.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 65mg