Penne with Creamy Bacon Sauce

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Penne with Creamy Bacon Sauce, a comforting pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, crispy bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The savory combination of garlic and bacon fat creates a bold, flavorful base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this creamy bacon pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for feeding your family or impressing dinner guests. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a delicious Italian-inspired dish, this pasta recipe checks all the boxes.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 200 grams bacon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 liter water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small pieces and finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 4

Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the bacon fat. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy bacon pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1999.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3822.5

Total Fat 214.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 94.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.9g
Cholesterol 526.9mg	0%
Sodium 5298.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 150.6g	0%

Vitamin D 32IU	0%
Calcium 1000.0mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 1892.7mg	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: 51.5%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 32.3%