Creamy Bacon One Pot Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz bacon (diced)
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb dry pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 3 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.

2. 2

   Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft.

4. 4

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5. 5

   Add the dry pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.

6. 6

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. 7

   Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.

8. 8

   Stir the cooked bacon back into the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. 9

   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is cooked through, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth at a time.

Nutrition per serving

• pasta
• bacon
• one-pot
• dinner
• creamy
• comfort food
• main course