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Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti

If you love easy pasta dinners that taste like pure comfort, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti.

Crispy bacon, melted Parmesan cheese, and a simple buttery garlic sauce come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly delicious.

This is the kind of meal you can make on a busy weeknight when you still want something that feels special. It’s creamy without using heavy cream, indulgent without being heavy, and it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

It’s a total keeper — the kind of recipe your family will request over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes with simple pantry staples.
• Restaurant quality: It tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian bistro, but you made it in your own kitchen.
• No heavy cream: You get that luscious, silky texture from pasta water, butter, and Parmesan.
• Crowd-pleasing: Bacon and cheese together? You can’t go wrong.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this pasta so delicious:

• Spaghetti – Traditional spaghetti works perfectly, but linguine or fettuccine will do too.
• Bacon – Thick-cut bacon is best for that crispy texture and rich flavor.
• Butter – Adds a smooth, velvety base to the sauce.
• Garlic – Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic punch.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the creamiest, most flavorful result.
• Pasta water – The secret to silky sauces that cling to every noodle.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• Fresh parsley – Optional, for a little color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti

Boil your spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. That starchy liquid is key to making the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

Step 2: Crisp the bacon

In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan — that’s flavor gold!

Step 3: Make the sauce

Add butter to the same pan, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add a little pasta water and stir to create a glossy base. Slowly toss in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and coats the sauce.

Step 4: Combine everything

Add the cooked spaghetti and bacon to the pan, tossing everything together. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese even more, turning it into a silky, buttery coating that clings to every noodle. Adjust with more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Serve hot with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top and a little fresh parsley for color.

Jennie’s Thoughts

I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it never fails to make me smile. It’s simple — but there’s something so comforting about the way the bacon and Parmesan come together. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the nutty Parmesan, and the garlic-butter sauce ties it all together into something that feels luxurious without any effort.

It’s the kind of pasta that reminds me of Sunday dinners at home. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen — just a few good ingredients and a few quiet minutes at the stove. The moment that glossy sauce starts to come together, you’ll know it’s going to be good.

And I’ll be honest… I always make a little extra bacon to sprinkle on top (because there’s no such thing as too much).

This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s cozy, familiar, and unbelievably satisfying.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
• Don’t forget the pasta water. It’s the magic ingredient that gives you that creamy, restaurant-style finish.
• Cook bacon low and slow. It gets crispier and develops more flavor.
• Toss, don’t stir. Gently tossing helps the sauce coat every strand evenly.

What to Serve with Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti

Pair this pasta with a simple side or two for a complete, satisfying meal:

• Homemade Garlic knots – Perfectly buttery and crisp on the edges.
• Easy Italian Salad – Crisp, fresh, and refreshing next to the rich pasta.
• Creamy Corn Casserole – A family favorite side that’s always a hit.

And if you’re looking for dessert, try Strawberry Bundt Cake or Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes — both pair beautifully after this meal.

Variations

Want to make this pasta your own? Here are a few fun twists:

• Creamy Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a rich, velvety version.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a pop of color and texture.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
• Try different cheese: Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a mix of cheeses all work wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

If you want to prep ahead, cook the bacon and grate the Parmesan in advance — it’ll come together even faster!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon or even pancetta for a lighter or more authentic Italian twist.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and use sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

Can I add cream?
Yes! For a creamier sauce, add ½ cup heavy cream after the garlic, then whisk in the Parmesan.

There’s something timeless about a good pasta dinner, and this Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings everyone together — whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a weekend meal with family gathered around the table.

You’ll love how quick, comforting, and downright delicious it is. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again — because no matter what kind of day you’ve had, a bowl of buttery pasta with crispy bacon and melty Parmesan just makes everything better.