Indulge in the creamy deliciousness of Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon, a perfect comfort meal that comes together quick and easy with just a handful of ingredients.
If you’re looking for a quick and delightful pasta dinner that everyone will love than this pasta recipe is it.
This quick recipe is particularly ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hassle-free dinner solution.
With just few simple ingredients you have in your pantry and less than 20 minutes of your time, you’ll have a comforting and flavorful meal on the table.
The best cream cheese pasta
The magic of this dish lies in the creamy pasta sauce, made by combining cream cheese with starchy pasta water and the bacon bits from the pan.
It creates a velvety and delicious sauce that you can easily customize to suit your taste.
The appeal of easy and quick weeknight meals like this one goes beyond just school nights.
The kids will love this cream cheese pasta sauce, it’s a favorite at my house all year round.
Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce: Recipe Tips
Learn how to make a delicious pasta sauce with cream cheese using a crucial trick:
These simple steps are the magic that elevates the pasta dish to perfection.
1. Reserve Starchy Pasta Water: Save a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Mixing it with the cream cheese creates a velvety and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
2. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese to achieve a luscious and rich sauce. While low-fat versions work, the full-fat option provides a more indulgent taste.
3. Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
4. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to explore other cheeses like Grana Padano or pecorino for different flavor profiles.
5. Season with Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful finishing touch to the creamy cheese sauce.
6. Serve Immediately: Cream cheese pasta sauce is best served right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat and adjust the consistency with a little water or milk if needed.
What you’ll need for the cream cheese pasta
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Spaghetti
- Butter
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper
How to make Creamy Bacon Pasta with Cream Cheese
1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Bacon: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and browned. Remove 1/2 the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese to the skillet with the garlic. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and combined with the bacon drippings.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated into the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved starchy pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. The starchy water will help bind the sauce and pasta together.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta and sauce are well combined, serve immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cream Cheese Bacon Pasta, and enjoy the rich flavors of the bacon-infused cream cheese sauce with every delicious bite.
How to store leftovers
Meal Prep Tips to store Cream Cheese Bacon Pasta:
- Cool: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Storage Duration: Good for up to 3 days in the fridge. Good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat: Reheat in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
The Best Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon
Treat yourself to a delightful Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon, a quick and effortless meal that's ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and delicious dinner without the fuss. Indulge in the creamy goodness of cream cheese and savory bacon, making every bite an irresistible pleasure.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8 oz bacon chopped
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 3 oz parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of pasta water.
2. In a large, deep pan, melt the butter and fry the bacon until slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Pour half a cup of pasta water into the pan, then stir in the cream cheese, breaking it down with a spoon until it melts completely.
5. Add another cup of pasta water and let the sauce bubble for a minute. Stir in the grated Parmesan and then combine the cooked pasta with the sauce.
6. Toss everything together, adjusting the sauce thickness with additional pasta water if needed.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 442Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 83mgSodium 1097mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 22g
