Pasta with Leek Bacon

Creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this hearty Pasta with Leek Bacon recipe is bound to become a dinnertime favorite. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a luxurious sauce of crispy bacon, caramelized leeks, minced garlic, and heavy cream, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth. This one-pan wonder brings together the sweetness of tender leeks and the smoky sharpness of bacon, balanced with just the right hint of black pepper and an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect choice for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings, offering a rich, Italian-inspired comfort food experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 200 grams bacon
• 2 medium-sized leeks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the leeks by slicing off the dark green tops and root ends. Slice the remaining lighter portion lengthwise, then chop into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt and grit, then pat dry.

Step 3

Chop the bacon into small pieces. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 6

Stir the leeks into the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the leeks are softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the leek and bacon mixture. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.

Step 8

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 9

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1092.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2827.1

Total Fat 183.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.9g
Cholesterol 438mg	0%
Sodium 6591.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 10.8g
Protein 113.1g	0%

Vitamin D 32IU	0%
Calcium 742.7mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1674.4mg	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: 60.3%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 23.2%