Garlic Bacon Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Savory & Easy Dinner
Garlic Bacon Pasta is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and garlicky flavors that turns a simple pasta dinner into a decadent comfort meal. The irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon mixed with sautéed garlic creates an atmosphere in the kitchen that’s both cozy and mouthwatering. This pasta dish proves that with just a few high-quality ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-worthy flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
The creamy yet light sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch and smoky depth. Loved for its simplicity and bold flavor, Garlic Bacon Pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a special treat when you want a rich, satisfying meal. It’s versatile, easy to make, and appeals to both beginners and experienced home cooks, making it a true all-time favorite.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) | 200 g | 720 kcal |
| Bacon (sliced) | 100 g | 540 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | 16 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | 200 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 50 g | 200 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (optional, chopped) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. - Cook the bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel. - Sauté garlic
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning. - Prepare the creamy sauce
Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently and allow it to simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine pasta and bacon
Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the cream sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth consistency. - Add cheese and seasoning
Stir in grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Extra protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add red chili flakes for a subtle heat.
- Healthier option: Use whole wheat pasta and reduce cream slightly.
- Vegetable boost: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 850–900 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 75–80 g |
| Fat | 45–50 g |
| Sodium | High |
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bacon Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the smoky bacon and creamy pasta.
Garlic Bacon Pasta
2–3
servings10
minutes15
minutes850-900
kcalIngredients
200 g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
100 g bacon, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup heavy cream
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the cream sauce: Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and bacon: Add cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve smooth consistency.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Garlic Bacon Pasta is all about balancing creamy, savory, and smoky flavors. To keep the sauce silky and smooth, toss the pasta with the cream sauce off the heat and use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
FAQs
1. What makes Garlic Bacon Pasta so flavorful?
The combination of crispy smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a rich, savory, and indulgent flavor that clings beautifully to the pasta.
2. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or linguine all work well. Choose pasta that holds sauce nicely for the best texture and flavor.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cream, or substitute half-and-half. You can also add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to increase fiber and nutrients.
4. Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions to make it a more complete and filling meal.
5. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
You can make it lower in carbs by using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Bacon Pasta is a versatile, indulgent, and easy-to-make dish that combines smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and creamy sauce for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, this pasta proves that simple ingredients can deliver maximum flavor. Whether served as a comforting weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, Garlic Bacon Pasta is a recipe that belongs in every home kitchen.
