Bacon White Sauce Pasta 🥓🧄🧈🧀 Smoky, Creamy, and Ridiculously Satisfying With Crispy Bacon in Every Bite

This dish takes a buttery white sauce base and infuses it with the richness of crispy bacon and garlic. It’s comforting and indulgent, with just enough bite from cheese and seasoning to balance the fat.

Perfect for a cozy night in or when you want something quick, salty, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the bacon

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• Optional: 1 tsp olive oil if bacon is lean

For the white sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika

To finish

• Extra grated cheese
• Chopped parsley or chives
• Optional: drizzle of bacon fat or chili crisp

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon bits and set aside. Leave 1–2 tsp bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Make the white sauce
Add butter to the skillet with bacon fat. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or paprika.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Return cooked pasta and bacon bits to the sauce. Toss until everything is glossy and well coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with extra cheese, herbs, and a drizzle of reserved bacon fat or chili oil for a bold finish.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach or peas for contrast
• Use smoked Gouda or cheddar for a deeper flavor
• Stir in a spoonful of Dijon or whole grain mustard for punch
• Add roasted garlic or shallots for sweetness
• Finish with lemon zest or balsamic glaze for contrast

Pro Tips

• Cook bacon slowly for max crisp without burning
• Drain bacon on a paper towel, but save some fat for the sauce
• Don’t boil the sauce once the cheese is in — keep it low
• Grate your own cheese for smooth melting
• Pasta water helps the sauce cling — don’t skip it

Final Thoughts

Bacon White Sauce Pasta is smoky, creamy, and downright addictive. It’s the perfect blend of indulgent and familiar — easy enough for a weeknight, bold enough for a comfort-food craving.

Crisp it. Whisk it. Let the bacon lead the way. 🥓🧄🧈🧀

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
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