This One Pot Bacon Alfredo is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s full of flavor! It’s on your table in under 30 minutes, made in one pot and it has bacon!! What more could a person ask for??
This one-pot bacon alfredo is perfect for a date night in and for many reasons!
- It’s made in one pan which equals fewer dishes to wash which means more time with your loved one!
- It’s really quick to make…. like done in under 30 minutes!!
- It has bacon in it.
- It’s creamy, smokey and total comfort food.
- Did I mention it has bacon in it??
With the holiday season fast approaching, (did anyone realize that October is pretty much half over?!?!?) things start to get a little busy and there may not be time to go out on a date.
Or maybe it costs too much??
Whatever, the dilemma may be don’t let that stop you from spending some quality time with your spouse. That’s why you have date night at home!
Some serving suggestions to top off this meal- simple roasted green beans (pop those in the oven while you make the bacon alfredo), simple caesar salad (prep this ahead of time), garlic cheddar biscuits (which can also be made ahead of time and just briefly warmed in the oven with the green beans).
Some simple dessert options would be- homemade chewy brownies topped with some ice cream and drizzled with hot fudge and caramel (one of my favorites!) or this skillet blondie with bourbon caramel pecans <— so good!
Date night in really can be stress free, but it does require a little planning and prep work to make it work, especially if you have kiddos!
I try to prepare as much in advance as possible like salads, breads, desserts, appetizers.
Also, don’t feel obligated to make everything from scratch either! If you need to take some help from the store do it!
Oh, also a nice bottle of wine goes great with this meal too, just saying! 🙂
- 5 slices thick cut bacon
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces penne, rotini or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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In a large skillet cook bacon until crisp. Set on paper towel to drain. Drain grease, reserving 1-2 tablespoons in pan. Cook onion over medium heat until soft and light brown (about 2 min) stir in garlic.
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Add in pasta and broth and stir well. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 13-15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring twice during cooking.
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In a small bowl combine cornstarch with a very small amount of water and stir into pasta. Remove from heat and stir in cream and cheese until cheese has melted. Garnish with chopped bacon and parsley. Taste for salt and pepper and add accordingly.
We have Paul Bunion bacon here. In your dish, exactly as it’s written, it’s perfection. It tastes like… more.
I forgot the star button.
Thanks!
The One Pot Bacon Alfredo is soo good, everyone has to try it, oh my goodness, delicious. I cooked this for my sons and I , they loved it. Thank you so much, I will make again. Yummy.
Thank you VERY much!! I am so glad everyone liked it!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. My kids love it. Very simple and easy to make. I didn’t have penne so I used elbow pasta.
Thank you so much!! And great substitute!!
Could I use a different kind of cheese? I don’t have any parmesan on hand, only marble!
Hi! So sorry I didn’t respond to your comment sooner!! If you use a different cheese it will alter the flavor of the alfredo.
This is a delicious dish. I have made it many times. Always a hit with my family.
Thank you so much!! I am so glad your family loves it!
Are you supposed to drain the pasta once it is cooked?
No you do not drain the pasta.
This is really delicious. I doubled it and there was just enough to feed 4 adults. I don’t think it would feed 4 without it being doubled unless it was being served as a side. I added a bit more pasta and broth. I also added more bacon. The flavour is great. It’s definitely a keeper. I think adding cubes chicken to this would also be tasty.
I am so glad you liked it!! And thanks for the note about the servings. Also, I agree that it would be great with chicken!
This looks pretty good. Im about to make it, but the directions left out the garlic. When do you cook the garlic?
Sorry I didn’t reply to you sooner!! I hope you were able to find where it said to add the garlic.
Depending on the bacon, broth or cheese used it can be very salty. I would maybe make a note to salt after cooking has finished. Other than that I loved it! I will definitely be making this again.
Thank you for your suggestion, I will add that to the post. Glad you liked it!
Can I cook the pasta separately? I dont feel comfortable cooking it in with everything else haha. I’m not a good cook as you can see.
You could cook it separately however, the sauce will not thicken because it needs the starch from the pasta to do so. One pot cooking is a great place to start if you are uncomfortable with cooking because they are simpler dishes. I urge you to give it a try and let me know if you have any questions!
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream ?
I haven’t tried it with coconut milk so I can’t say for sure how it will turn out. I think it would work but it will probably alter the taste.
Would like to make this for about 25 servings. Can you help me with ingredient amounts?
Hi Gail! Sure thing! I would suggest using 35 strips of bacon, 3 large onions, 14 cloves of garlic, 7 (8oz) boxes of pasta, 14 cups of broth, 3.5 cups of heavy cream, 7 cups of Parmesan, 4 tablespoons cornstarch, 4 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons chopped parsley. Let me know if you have any other questions.
This was a hit at the home!!! Great choice and easy to make!
YAY!! I am so glad you liked it and thank you for your comment!!
If i wanted to add chicken to this, when would i add it??
Sorry I didn’t get back with you sooner. Add some chopped chicken in while cooking the bacon and continue as normal. Hope you like it!
I have made this twice with 2 kinds of cheese and they both clumped. What am I doing wrong? Flavor is amazing though
I think I need to edit the instructions because sometimes adding cheese to something very hot (boiling) can cause it to clump. I should have the instructions say to reduce the heat then stir in the cheese. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Jamie I made this as well mine got a bit clumpy and was very think I will try it with less cornstarch with more water added to make a cream sauce not a paste n stir in the cheese quickly and remove from heat. Also cornstarch is supposed to cook at a boil for at least 1minute before reducing heat
Made this tonight and whoa!!! So delish!! Thank you
I am so glad you enjoyed!! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
This was so good and easy to make!
Thank you very much! So glad you liked it!!
This was fantastic, and really appreciated the 1 pan thing.
I am so glad you enjoyed it!!! I love one pot meals too! 🙂
it doesn’t say when you are supposed to add the cornstarch.. thanks
Thank you for catching that!! I fixed the recipe. Thanks again!! 🙂
Can you substitute the cream for milk?
You can, however, it will not be quite as creamy.
Bring on the BACON! Is there anything better than creamy pasta with bacon? I don’t think so. Gorgeous photos Malinda!
Thank you, Karen!! I have to agree it’s hard to beat bacon and creamy pasta!! 🙂
I have made this twice and absolutely love it! The second time I doubled the recipe so I could take leftovers to work! 😂 Easy after work meal for the whole family!
That’s great!! So glad you liked it!
One pot? Bacon? Pasta? HECK YES! This is my kind of dinner!
Lol, thanks Julie! 🙂