Creamy Bacon Pasta

Pasta can be prepared with a variety of sauces with the two most popular being tomato or cream based. Here is one of my favourite and quickest pasta recipes to make, creamy bacon pasta.

This is an easy and filling pasta dish with bacon, onion and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It is also a handy recipe when travelling, backpacking or camping because you can use your favourite pasta and even add some frozen vegetables to the pot. You and the crowd will be satisfied in no time!

It is simple, comforting and doesn’t need lots of ingredients. This recipe makes enough for four people, but you can easily reduce the quantities if you’re cooking for yourself.

 

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Pasta

 

• Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes. 
• Creamy and filling – perfect for lunch or dinner. 
• Simple ingredients – nothing complicated is needed. 
• Great for camping – it uses basic cooking equipment. 
• Easy to adapt – use your favourite pasta and optional frozen vegetables. 
• Full of flavour – bacon, Parmesan and cream make a rich and tasty sauce. 

 

What is Creamy Bacon Pasta?

 

Creamy Bacon Pasta is a simple pasta dish made with cooked pasta, bacon, onion and a creamy Parmesan sauce.

The cream and Parmesan create a rich sauce, while a little lemon juice adds some freshness. Frozen vegetables can also be added for extra colour and flavour.

It is a simple recipe that works well when travelling, backpacking or camping because the ingredients are easy to find and you don’t need lots of fancy equipment.

 

Ingredients and Substitutions

 

·      Pasta – Use your favourite pasta. I like penne, spirals or fettuccine, but other pasta shapes will also work.
·      Bacon – The recipe uses 4 rashers of bacon. Cut them into smaller pieces before cooking.
·      Onion – One small onion, chopped adds flavour to the bacon and creamy sauce.
·      Cream – Use 300ml cream for the creamy sauce. If you’re making a smaller quantity, simply reduce the amount. I often use a lite cream as I find it lighter on the tummy.
·      Parmesan Cheese – Use grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavour to the creamy sauce.
·      Frozen Vegetables – A handful of frozen vegetables is optional. They can be cooked together with the pasta, making this an easy option when travelling.
·      Oil – Use one tablespoon of oil for cooking the onion and bacon.
·      Cracked Pepper – Cracked pepper is optional and can be added to the mixture or on top when serving. 

 

Equipment Required to Make the Pasta Dish

 

• Bowl and whisk 
• Saucepan for cooking pasta 
• Large frying pan 
• Colander or strainer 
• Spoon or tongs 
• Bowl and fork for serving 

 

How to Make Creamy Bacon Pasta While Travelling, Backpacking or Camping

 

This is a practical recipe for travellers, backpackers and campers because you don’t need an oven or lots of cooking equipment.

You need a saucepan to cook the pasta and a frying pan to cook the bacon, onion and sauce.

If you’re travelling solo or in a couple, you can reduce the quantities and make one or two servings instead of cooking the full recipe for four people.

Frozen vegetables add bulk to the dish and can be cooked in the same pot as the pasta.

 

How to Cook Creamy Bacon Pasta

 

1. Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. If using frozen vegetables, add them to the pasta during cooking. 
2. Chop and Cook the bacon and onion. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and bacon and cook until the onion has softened and the bacon is cooked. 
3. Drain the pasta and add to mixture. When the pasta is cooked, drain it. If possible, keep a little of the pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Add the drained pasta to the frying pan and mix with the onion and bacon. 
4. Add the cream and parmesson. Reduce the heat and add in the cream and Parmesan and gently stir through the pasta. 
5. Finish the sauce. Continue stirring gently until the Parmesan has melted and the sauce is hot and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water. 
6. Serve. Serve immediately while hot. 

 

Tips for Making Creamy Bacon Pasta

 

·      Use grate Parmesan. It will melt more easily into the warm cream.
·      Keep the heat low. A gentle heat helps the cream and Parmesan combine smoothly.
·      Don’t boil the sauce. High heat can make a creamy cheese sauce become grainy.
·      Save some pasta water. A little can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
·      Don’t overcook the pasta. Follow the packet instructions and cook until just tender.
·      Use the pasta you have. Penne, spirals and fettuccine are my preferred choices, but other pasta shapes work too.
·      Add vegetables if you have them. Frozen vegetables (pease, carrot, corn) are an easy way to add some extra colour and make the meal more substantial. And a hidden in the pasta can be a good way to get kids to eat their vegetables!

 

Serving Ideas

 

Creamy Bacon Pasta is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:

• Garlic bread / garlic pizza
• Buttered bread 
• A simple green salad 
• Extra grated Parmesan 
• Cracked black pepper 

For camping, backpacking or travelling, bread or a simple salad is an easy accompaniment.

 

What to Do With Leftover Creamy Bacon Pasta

 

Allow leftovers to cool and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.

When reheating, add a small splash of milk, cream or water to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently rather than boiling it.

If you are travelling, backpacking or camping without refrigeration, it is best to cook only the amount you expect to eat.

 

FAQs

 

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Penne, spirals and fettuccine are my preferred choices, but you can use whatever pasta you have available.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. A handful of frozen vegetables can be cooked with the pasta.

Can I make this recipe for one or two people?

Yes. Simply reduce the ingredients according to how many people you are feeding.

How do I stop the Parmesan sauce from becoming lumpy?

Grate the Parmesan finely and add it to the warm cream over low heat. Stir gently until it melts and avoid boiling the sauce.

Can I make this while camping?

Yes. You need a saucepan and frying pan, making it suitable for a basic camping setup.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a small amount of reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.

What can I serve with Creamy Bacon Pasta?

Buttered bread, garlic bread or a simple salad all work well.