This Bacon Alfredo is one of those dishes that always feels special. With the rich taste of bacon and a velvety sauce, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!
This recipe addresses heavy sauce issues by incorporating chicken broth, improves flavor with quality bacon, and achieves creaminess with less cream.
I’ve faced the challenge of finding meals that make everyone happy, especially with my family having gluten allergies. When I want to treat them and my friends, this recipe really does the trick. It’s creamy and delicious while being friendly for various dietary needs.
This recipe works so well because it mixes the richness of bacon with the lightness of chicken broth, so it’s not too heavy. You can prepare it in about 15 minutes and have it on the table in another 15. That’s a win in my book, especially for busy nights.
If you need a tasty side dish to go with this, try making Lobster Shrimp Linguine. If you love seafood, it’s the perfect complement!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor , Using bacon fat gives this dish a savory depth that’s hard to beat. Quality bacon really amps up the deliciousness, making each bite memorable.
- Creamy Texture , The blend of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully without feeling too heavy.
- Quick Prep , In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal. It’s a lifesaver for those busy weeknights or when you want something special without the wait.
- Storage Convenience , Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days, so you can enjoy this creamy goodness more than once.
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti noodles: You’ll want those long strands to soak up all that creamy sauce. Go for a brand with a nice bite; they hold up well.
- Bacon: Can’t have Bacon Alfredo without bacon! Get some thick-cut for that satisfying crunch. You could swap it for pancetta if you’re feeling fancy.
- Butter: It brings that rich richness into the sauce. Stick with unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness in your dish.
- Chicken broth: This adds depth to the sauce! Use low-sodium broth to avoid overpowering flavors. Homemade is always a win if you have it.
- Heavy whipping cream: This gives the sauce its luscious texture. Don’t skimp on quality here; it really makes a difference. You might try half-and-half if you want it lighter, but it’ll change the creaminess a bit.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If sauce becomes too thick, gradually mix in reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- When cooking bacon, keep the heat medium and stir often to keep it from burning while achieving crispness.
- For a better-thickening result, make sure to whisk the flour thoroughly and let it bubble before adding any liquid.
- If you desire a lighter sauce, consider using chicken broth instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option.
- For a deeper flavor, opt for high-quality bacon; it makes a noticeable difference in the overall dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve spaghetti alfredo alongside a side salad, such as antipasto salad. Garlic breadsticks work well to complete the meal.
- This creamy dish can also serve as a base for additional toppings or side ingredients like grilled chicken or vegetables. Consider using it in recipes for pasta bakes or creamy casseroles as well.
- Top with cracked pepper for extra flavor and to enhance each bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add a touch of brightness to the final dish.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your spaghetti alfredo fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it sealed tight.
- Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- You can use fettuccine or penne instead of spaghetti for a different texture.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Either turkey bacon or pancetta can work in place of regular bacon for a unique taste.
- If doubling the recipe, use 32 oz. spaghetti, 1/2 lb bacon, 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups heavy whipping cream.
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Bacon Alfredo Pasta
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish made with crispy bacon and a rich Alfredo sauce.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- slotted spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles dry
- ¼ lb bacon
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated recommended
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. It is ready when it smells amazing and turns a golden brown. Remove the bacon and leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbly and slightly thickened. This roux will help thicken your sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth slowly, followed by the heavy whipping cream. Whisk continuously to ensure a smooth consistency and to prevent lumps, stirring until fully blended.
- Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce while whisking to combine. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water, then add the drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta completely. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Crumble the crispy bacon over the coated pasta and gently stir it in. Reserve some bacon for garnish if desired.
- Top with parsley for color and serve warm. Enjoy each creamy, cheesy bite along with the crunchy bacon.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not forget to save some cooking water to loosen up the pasta if needed. When cooking bacon, keep the heat medium and stir often to prevent burning while achieving crispness. For a better-thickening result, make sure to whisk the flour thoroughly and let it bubble before adding any liquid. If you desire a lighter sauce, consider using chicken broth instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option. For a deeper flavor, opt for high-quality bacon; it makes a noticeable difference in the overall dish.
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