Indulge your taste buds with a creamy, cheesy delight that will have you coming back for seconds! This Bacon White Cheddar Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the savory crunch of crispy bacon with the rich, velvety texture of white cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game to new heights. Ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s both comforting and decadent? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crisp and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 6-7 minutes.
- Remove bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Reduce skillet heat to low and add heavy cream to the bacon fat. Whisk gently to combine and prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle garlic powder into the cream mixture and stir. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add shredded white cheddar cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Fold in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with remaining bacon bits. Optionally, sprinkle with additional white cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always remember to salt your boiling water generously; it enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook it until al dente for the best texture.
- Bacon Bliss: For extra crispy bacon, ensure your skillet is preheated before adding the chopped strips. This helps render the fat more effectively.
- Creamy Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creaminess.
- Cheese Choice: While white cheddar is the star of this dish, feel free to mix in other cheeses like parmesan or gouda for added depth of flavor.
- Garnish for Greatness: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of extra white cheddar or fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Leftover Love: This dish is great for leftovers! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 584kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 90mg
