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Looking for a bacon pasta recipe that’s quick, comforting and easy to make from scratch? This creamy bacon pasta is a simple, satisfying dinner that takes only 20 minutes to make! Keep reading to learn just how easily this tasty pasta dish comes together…
Why you’ll love this creamy bacon pasta recipe
This bacon pasta recipe is one of those dependable dinners that works every time, even on busy evenings when you just want something quick and comforting. No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Just simple steps that any home cook can follow with confidence.
A proper from scratch dinner that comes together quickly – making it perfect for those nights when you need something easy but still satisfying, just like my one pot cajun sausage pasta.
Ingredients
Confused about what ingredients to buy? Not sure about a substitution? Here’s everything you might need to know…
- Oil – I used sunflower oil, but vegetable, rice bran or olive oil will all work well too.
- Bacon – I prefer smoked back bacon, but you can use whatever you like or have in the fridge.
- Pasta – Any pasta shape will work. I used fusilli this time, but penne also works well.
- Garlic – I base my recipes on using large garlic cloves. If yours are quite small, you may want to add an extra one.
- Tomato puree – I like Mutti tomato puree, but any brand will work perfectly well.
- Mascarpone – This makes the sauce lovely and creamy. If you’d prefer it a little lighter, you can use 200ml double cream instead.
- Vinegar – A little balsamic vinegar really lifts the flavour of the sauce. Cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice would also work too.
Emma’s top tips
Here are tips you’ll find helpful when making this recipe.
- Short on time? Use pre-minced garlic instead. I often use very lazy garlic when I’m in a hurry.
- Always keep a little of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce. That well seasoned, starchy water helps the sauce coat the pasta and makes it silky and glossy.
- Make sure you cook out the tomato puree for at least 2-3 minutes. This removes the acidic metallic taste and gives a deeper, sweeter flavour.
Timings
Have limited time? Struggle with recipe timings? Or juggling around other things? Here’s some time managing info to make your life easier!
- Chopping and frying the bacon should take no more than 10 minutes.
- The pasta cooks at the same you are making the sauce.
- Finishing the sauce will only take around 8-10 mins.
Creamy Bacon Pasta Recipe – Step by Step Picture Recipe
(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to serve 2.
Please note, this recipe includes both UK metric and US Cup measurements.
- 2-3 tbsp Sunflower Oil
- 4 x Rashers of Bacon, roughly chopped
- 160g (1 + 1/3 Cup) Dried Pasta
- 2 x Garlic Cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 180g (3/4 Cup) Mascarpone Cheese
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Essential equipment
- Chopping Board
- Sharp Knife
- Large Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Large Saucepan
- Colander or Slotted Spoon
Instructions
Heat the pan over a medium/high heat, then add the oil (2-3 tbsp). When the oil is hot, add the bacon (x 4 rashers, roughly chopped) and fry for 6-8 mins until crisp.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta (160g | 1 + 1/3 Cup) according to the packet instructions.
When the bacon is cooked, lower the heat then add the garlic (2 x cloves, peeled and minced) and tomato puree (2 tbsp). You can add a little more oil too if it’s needed. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2-3 minutes.
Then add the mascarpone cheese (180g (3/4 Cup) and stir until it loosens and becomes a smooth sauce. Make sure you scrape all the bacon bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavour.
Now pour in a little of the pasta water and the balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp). Stir until it is smooth and glossy.
Next, drain the pasta and add it into the pan. Stir well, and add a little more of the pasta water if you need to thin the sauce.
Divide between bowls and serve immediately. A little garlic bread goes lovely with this bacon pasta recipe. You could also top with some grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if you like.
If you’re feeding a crowd, you could serve it alongside this easy mozzarella pesto pasta with tomatoes.
How to change the flavour
If you enjoy your dishes with a little heat, add some freshly chopped chillis or chilli flakes when you add the garlic and tomato puree.
FAQs
This pasta is best eaten straight after cooking while the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you do need to reheat it, add a splash of water, milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Yes. Any pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Fusilli, penne, rigatoni or even spaghetti are all good options.
Yes, you can swap the mascarpone for around 200ml of double cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a frying pan over a low heat, adding a splash of water, milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach or peas all work really well and can easily be added to the pasta sauce while cooking.
Loved this creamy bacon pasta recipe? Pin it!
Quick Creamy Bacon Pasta Recipe
This creamy bacon pasta recipe is rich, comforting and ready in 20 minutes. A simple from scratch dinner that’s easy and very satisfying!
Ingredients
- 4 x Rashers of Bacon, roughly chopped
- 2 x Garlic Cloves, peeled and minced
- 2-3 tbsp Sunflower Oil
- 160g (1 + 1/3 Cup) Dried Pasta
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 180g (3/4 Cup) Mascarpone Cheese
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Essential Equipment
- Chopping Board
- Sharp Knife
- Large Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Large Saucepan
- Colander or Slotted Spoon
Instructions
- Roughly chop the bacon and mince the garlic.
- Heat the frying pan over a medium/high heat and add the oil. When hot, add the bacon and fry until crisp.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- When the bacon is cooked, lower the heat then add the garlic and tomato puree. Fry, stirring continuously for 2-3 mins.
- Then add the mascarpone cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add a little pasta cooking water and the balsamic vinegar, and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Finally, drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir through a little more pasta water if you need to thin it out.
- Divide between plates and serve straight away. This is lovely topped with a little grated parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread.
Notes
If you would rather use a more in depth picture recipe, please see the main body of this post. Where you’ll also find lots of extra FAQs and helpful tips, should you need them.
Please note, this recipe includes both UK metric and US Cup measurements.
How to change the flavour
If you enjoy your dishes with a little heat, add some freshly chopped chillis or chilli flakes when you add the garlic and tomato puree.
Tips
- Short on time? Use pre-minced garlic instead. I often use very lazy garlic when I’m in a hurry.
- Always keep a little of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce. That well seasoned, starchy water helps the sauce coat the pasta and makes it silky and glossy.
- Make sure you cook out the tomato puree for at least 2-3 minutes. This removes the acidic metallic taste and gives a deeper, sweeter flavour.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 856Total Fat: 67gSaturated Fat: 33gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 1552mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 33g
Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.
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Experienced British Online Publisher, recipe writer, and home cook, Emma has a background of over 20 years in British cuisine and cooking. Born and bred in the UK, she excels in classic British dishes, is passionate about air frying, and loves sharing her Gran’s old school recipes. She has been featured in popular publications such as Food Network, Cosmopolitan, and The Huffington Post.
Knowledgeable On: Traditional British Cuisine, Recipe Writing, Air Frying, Home Cooking.