8 Bacon Pasta Recipes for Quick, Delicious Dinners

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Bacon makes everything better, and pasta is absolutely no exception. It’s an easy, budget friendly ingredient to add protein and a ton of flavor to your midweek meals, and I always find that bacon pasta dishes are a success with even the fussiest of eaters in my family. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, cheesy, or loaded with fresh and colorful veggies, these bacon pasta recipes are here to save the day – or dinnertime, at the very least. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or comforting meals with the family, these dishes are packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. They’re also super easy to prepare and many of them require just a handful of staple ingredients. Let’s get going!

1. Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon

cream cheese pasta with bacon

When you need a quick and creamy dish, this Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon is your go-to. The velvety sauce clings to the pasta, while crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch. Super easy, and oh so comforting too. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of the bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan until smooth.
  4. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in bacon and serve immediately.

2. Bacon Mac and Cheese

bacon mac and cheese

This grown-up take on a childhood favorite features creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy bacon. Comfort food at its finest.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened.
  4. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Mix pasta, cheese sauce, and bacon. Serve immediately.

3. Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is rich, flavorful, and totally addictive. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon take it to the next level.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
  4. Add cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Simmer until thickened.
  5. Toss pasta with the sauce, then stir in bacon. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

4. Tomato Bacon Spaghetti

tomato bacon spaghetti

This Tomato Bacon Spaghetti is light, flavorful, and so easy to make. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the fresh tomato sauce.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Toss pasta with the tomato sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in bacon and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

5. Pasta with Bacon and Peas

pasta with bacon and peas

This classic combo of Bacon and Peas adds a pop of freshness to every bite. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add peas and cream to the skillet. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Toss pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in bacon and Parmesan. Serve warm.

6. Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

bacon cheeseburger pasta

All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one comforting pasta dish. Bacon, cheese, and ground beef make this a family favorite. My toddler loves this one, so it’s a regular on the recipe rotation in my household! 

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Brown ground beef in the same skillet. Stir in ketchup and mustard.
  4. Mix pasta, ground beef mixture, cheese, and bacon. Serve warm.

7. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

creamy bacon and mushroom pasta

Earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon come together in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish feels fancy but is so easy to make! It’s great for a quick midweek meal, but equally, it wouldn’t be out of place at a dinner party or special gathering. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fettuccine
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté mushrooms in the bacon grease until golden. Add cream and Parmesan, simmering until thickened.
  4. Toss pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in bacon and serve.

8. Bacon Broccoli Pasta

bacon broccoli pasta

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta is a perfect mix of smoky bacon and fresh veggies, tossed in a light, creamy sauce. A good one to try if, like me, you’re always trying to get some extra veggies into your family’s diet! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Steam broccoli until tender. Add cream and Parmesan to the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Toss pasta with the sauce, stir in broccoli and bacon, and serve.

Bacon and pasta are a match made in heaven. From creamy to cheesy to veggie-packed, these 8 recipes prove that bacon really, really does make everything better. If you try these ideas, please do take a moment to leave a review in the comments below. I love hearing your feedback, and it helps me to create more easy dinner recipes for you to try at home!