Cheddar and Bacon Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Cheddar and Bacon Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish that’s destined to become a household favorite. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, this recipe takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level by incorporating crispy, smoky bacon. A quick homemade roux ensures a silky-smooth sauce, while hints of garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper add a subtle kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make pasta is ready in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Serve it as a hearty main or an indulgent side, garnished with fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch. Whether you’re craving comfort or looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this cheddar and bacon pasta checks all the boxes.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 350 g penne pasta
• 200 g bacon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small strips. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

Step 8

Fold in the crispy bacon, reserving a small portion for topping if desired.

Step 9

Serve the cheddar and bacon pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1327.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3737.6

Total Fat 200.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 102.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.7g
Cholesterol 589.6mg	0%
Sodium 6174.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 304.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 186.0g	0%

Vitamin D 294.7IU	0%
Calcium 2245.9mg	0%
Iron 17.2mg	0%
Potassium 2740.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 32.4%