Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s get our ingredients in order. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta Bake Essentials

• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce beautifully.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
• Tomatoes: A mix of fresh cherry tomatoes and canned tomatoes creates depth and balance.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are the dream team here.

For the Sauce

• Butter and flour: For a classic roux that forms the base of your creamy sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can use low-fat if preferred.
• Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and an extra creamy texture.
• Garlic and onions: For a flavor-packed foundation.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and dried Italian seasoning to tie it all together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta Bake

Let’s break it down into manageable steps. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks!

Cooking the Pasta

Start with the basics:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook your pasta until al dente (it should have a slight bite to it).
3. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water—it might come in handy later for adjusting the sauce consistency.

Preparing the Bacon

Let’s talk bacon magic:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain.
4. Save about a tablespoon of the bacon grease—it’s liquid gold for flavor!

Making the Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic happens:

1. In the same skillet, add a bit of butter along with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté the diced onions until they’re soft and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Stir in the flour to make a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
5. Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt completely.
6. Add shredded cheddar, half the Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

Bringing It All Together

Now for the fun part:

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
2. Stir in the crispy bacon and chopped fresh basil.
3. Add the canned tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness. Mix everything together gently.

The Perfect Bake

Here’s how to achieve that golden, bubbly top:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra-crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.