Creamy Bacon Pasta - Recipes By Clare

A Luxurious Blend of Cream, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Crispy Bacon—Comfort Food That Warms the Soul

Few dishes bring the same level of comforting satisfaction as a creamy, bacon-studded pasta. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight meal, impressing guests with a rich and rustic entrée, or simply indulging in the universal appeal of bacon and cheese, this Creamy Bacon Pasta delivers everything you could want in a single skillet.

In this dish, crispy bacon is paired with a velvety tomato cream sauce enhanced by garlic, herbs, cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan. The cherry tomatoes burst into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and tang, while subtle spice from mustard powder and optional red pepper flakes gives it a layered flavor that dances on the palate. The result? A plate of pasta that is simultaneously hearty, silky, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy.

Let’s walk through this ultimate comfort dish, from ingredients to preparation and everything in between.

Ingredients (US Measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfectly balanced creamy bacon pasta:

5 slices bacon
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz spaghetti
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Note: You can substitute penne or fettuccine for the spaghetti depending on your preference.

Preparation Time & Nutrition

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~600 kcal per serving (makes 4 servings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, lay out the 5 bacon slices and cook over low to medium heat.
Let the fat render slowly to avoid burning and achieve maximum crispiness. This should take about 8–10 minutes.
Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet; discard the rest or save for another dish.

Tip: Cooking on low allows the bacon to release its fat and become ultra-crispy without drying out.

Sauté Garlic

Add the minced garlic (4 cloves) to the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Cook for 1–2 minutes on medium heat, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Do not let it burn.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth (from your 1 cup), scraping the bottom to lift any flavor bits.

Deglazing boosts flavor and ensures the garlic doesn’t stick or burn.

Make the Sauce Base

Once deglazed, add the rest of the chicken broth (approximately ¾ cup).
Stir in the following:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- Cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, if using
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to medium-low.

The tomato paste adds richness, while the herbs and mustard powder provide depth and complexity.

Add Tomatoes & Cream Cheese

Stir in the cherry tomatoes (1 pint) and 2 tablespoons of room-temperature cream cheese.
Partially cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have begun to soften and burst slightly.

Covering helps concentrate the flavors and tenderize the tomatoes without losing too much liquid.

Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil 8 oz of spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Drain and set aside.

The pasta water can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Finish the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Using freshly grated Parmesan is best for meltability and depth of flavor.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the creamy mixture.
Let it sit over low heat for 1–2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta.

You can use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

Serve

Crumble the crispy bacon on top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy the indulgent goodness!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Pasta

Bacon Drippings Are Liquid Gold
Don’t skip saving the bacon grease—it infuses the garlic and sauce with savory richness.
Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese
This helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce without clumping.
Simmer Gently
Avoid high heat when adding cream to prevent curdling. Low and slow makes the sauce smooth.
Fresh Grated Cheese Is Key
Pre-shredded Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that prevent melting smoothly. Grate it fresh for best results.
Balance the Flavors
The tomato paste adds umami; the mustard powder brings subtle tang; the herbs round everything out.
Want a Veggie Boost?
Add spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a more balanced plate.
Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Variations You Can Try

Chicken Bacon Pasta: Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Mushroom Swap: Replace bacon with mushrooms for a vegetarian version that’s still hearty.
Carbonara-Inspired: Add a whisked egg yolk after turning off the heat for ultra-silky texture.
Herb-Infused Oil: Fry sage or thyme leaves in the bacon grease for a flavor upgrade.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cheese are gluten-safe.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Bacon Pasta is more than just a dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of garlic, herbs, cream, and bacon creates a meal that’s as rich in flavor as it is satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a date night, family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress.

You can pair this dish with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of white wine or iced tea to complete the experience.

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again—it’s just that good.