This One-Pot Bacon Alfredo Pasta recipe is simple, easy, and amazingly creamy. A no-stress, no-mess dinner for any night of the week!!
One-Pot Creamy Bacon Alfredo Pasta Recipe Highlights
With back-to-school around the corner, we all need ideas for easy, no-fuss weeknight meals. That is why I’m sharing this amazing One-Pot meal that my family loves.
This Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Bacon is a recipe you have to add to your weeknight recipes. You and your family will love this quick and tasty recipe.
The Alfredo sauce and bacon combination is simply perfect and full of flavor. Just comfort food at its finest!!
This pasta recipe will put a smile on your family’s face – They will be more than satisfied, and you’ll be the hero after a long day at work or school. And the best part of all is that in the end, you will only have one pan to clean – Hint: One-pot 😉 – What can be better than that? Happy and full bellies, and easy-to-clean kitchen. Win.Win.Win!!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Bacon
- Garlic: I use and recommend fresh garlic.
- Pasta: I used rigatoni pasta this time, but you can use any pasta you like. Please keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Chicken broth
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Frozen peas: I think peas are just the perfect addition, but you can also use asparagus, mushrooms, corn, peppers, etc…
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese: You can also use Asiago cheese or Pecorino Romano.
- Mascarpone cheese or cream cheese: This is totally optional but highly recommended. It makes the paste extra cheesy and creamy and helps thicken the sauce.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Bacon
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Cook the Bacon
In a large, deep skillet, cook the bacon until crisp over medium-high heat. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel. Set aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Saute the Garlic
Add garlic to the same skillet over medium heat; sauté and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add and Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta, broth, water, salt, and pepper, and mix to combine. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce
Stir in peas (if using) and butter; mix to combine. Once the butter has melted, add heavy cream, Parmesan, cream cheese (if using), and reserved cooked bacon. Mix until well combined. Cook until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and/or black pepper, if necessary.
- Serve
Top with more grated parmesan or pecorino cheese and garnish with chopped basil or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations You Can Apply to This Recipe
- Pasta: I used rigatoni pasta this time, but you can use any pasta you like. Please keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Cheese: I love the combination of Parmesan and Mascarpone cheese, but you can use any Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even Manchego. The addition of Mascarpone or cream cheese will make the dish ultra-creamy and also will help to thicken the sauce.
- Veggies: I think peas are just perfect, but you can also use asparagus, mushrooms, corn, peppers, etc…
- Meats: Substitute bacon for diced chicken, shrimp, or diced ham if you want to add more protein, or omit the meat all the way for a meatless version. I love adding bite-sized pieces of rotisserie chicken.
Serving Ideas
Serving Alfredo pasta involves creating a balanced and enjoyable meal that showcases the creamy pasta while incorporating complementary flavors and textures. Here are some ideas on how I like to serve this Bacon Alfredo pasta:
1. Main Dish: Serve a portion of the Alfredo pasta as the main dish. Ensure that each plate has a generous portion of the creamy pasta.
2. Protein: Add a protein source to the plate. Popular options include grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. Place the protein alongside the pasta or on top of it.
3. Vegetables: Include cooked or sautéed vegetables to add color and nutrition to the dish. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas are excellent choices. Arrange the vegetables on the side of the pasta.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or chives, over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness.
5. Cheese: Provide extra grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese, or Asiago cheese on top for those who want to enhance the cheesy flavor further.
6. Bread: Serve a side of dinner rolls, garlic bread, breadsticks, or a crusty baguette. This can be used to scoop up the creamy sauce and create a satisfying combination.
7. Salad: Include a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the Alfredo pasta. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can work well.
8. Wine: For those who enjoy wine, consider serving a white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine can complement the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Storing Instructions
Store pasta leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk; just be sure to stir frequently to avoid sticking.
Alfredo Pasta Frequently Asked Questions
There are numerous ways to elevate the flavor and presentation of a classic Alfredo pasta dish. My favorites are adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of color and a fragrant aroma, adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce, or nutty toppings like toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Also, a touch of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water or milk until smooth. Stir the slurry into the Alfredo sauce and bring it to a simmer. The cornstarch will activate and thicken the sauce as the sauce heats up. Remember that cornstarch can make the sauce slightly glossy.
Fettuccine is the traditional and most commonly used pasta for Alfredo sauce. However, the choice of pasta comes down to personal preference. You can stick with tradition and use fettuccine or experiment with different shapes to see which one you enjoy the most.
Serving Alfredo pasta involves creating a balanced and enjoyable meal that showcases the creamy pasta while incorporating complementary flavors and textures. You can Include cooked or sautéed vegetables to add color and nutrition to the dish. Or a ight salad on the side to balance the richness of the Alfredo pasta. Serve a side of garlic bread, breadsticks, dinner rolls, or a crusty baguette. This can be used to scoop up the creamy sauce and create a satisfying combination.
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Recipe Card 📖
One-Pot Bacon Alfredo Pasta (Creamy)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz (454 g) uncooked pasta (I used rigatoni)
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup (58 g) butter (half stick)
- 3 cups (720 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (90 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (you can also use Asiago cheese or Pecorino Romano)
- 4 oz (115 g) Mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (optional) (see notes)
Instructions
- In a large pan cook the bacon until crisp over medium heat. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel. Set aside. Leave the bacon grease on the pan.
- Add garlic to the same pan; saute and stir for 30 seconds. Add uncooked pasta, broth, water, salt, and pepper, and mix to combine. Bring to boiling; reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in peas (if using) and butter; mix to combine. Once the butter has melted, add heavy cream, Parmesan, mascarpone or cream cheese (if using), and reserved cooked bacon. Mix until well combined. Cook for about 3 -5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and/or black pepper, if necessary.
- Top with more grated cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in August 2015. I have tweaked the recipe to be more clear, easy to make, and more delicious in August 2023. I also added more notes, tips, photos, and information to make it as helpful as possible!
What is your “egg free” go to brand of pasta? We struggle to find pasta that isn’t made in a facility that processes egg products and find very few brands that work.
Hello M! I like DeCecco, Colavita, and Wegmans brands. I highly recommence checking labels all the time because ones in a while they’re in a shared facility. Hope that helps!
Yum, love easy recipes like this! and gorgeous pictures as always! xoxo