The creamy, decadent flavors of this dish captivate your palate with the perfect blend of smoky bacon and rich Alfredo sauce. This Bacon Alfredo recipe is a delightful dish that combines the savoriness of crispy bacon with a creamy Alfredo sauce that is sure to become a staple in your home. Ideal for both comforting family dinners and impressive dinner parties, you can find satisfaction in every bite.
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Growing up, Sundays at my grandmother’s house always smelled of garlic, butter, and a hint of crisp bacon. The kitchen would be in full swing, with everyone lending a hand. One particular Sunday, she introduced us to this Alfredo recipe, enriched with the smoky goodness of bacon. It instantly became a family favorite, bringing comfort and joy during each gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bacon Alfredo recipe is so delightful because it is simple to prepare yet yields restaurant-quality results. The combination of fresh cream and Parmesan enhances the velvety texture while crispy bacon bits add a delicious crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires only a few ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Additionally, this dish can be easily altered to accommodate any dietary preference, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients Notes
The key ingredients for this recipe are fresh Parmesan cheese, cream, and thick-cut bacon. Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the creamy texture and flavor profile. If you can’t find thick-cut bacon, regular bacon will work, but you might need to use more to get the same smoky effect. For a vegetarian twist, substitute bacon with sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
Step 2
Add minced garlic to the reserved bacon drippings, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3
Pour in heavy cream to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and then lower the heat. Stir occasionally until the cream slightly thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper to taste.
Step 5
Mix the crispy bacon back into the sauce and toss with cooked pasta of your choice. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish.
Storage Options
Store any leftover Bacon Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. If you wish to freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and color. If catering to vegetarians, swap bacon out for plant-based alternatives or simply omit it entirely. The sauce’s creaminess and flavor will still shine through.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for added crunch. Serve it right out of the pan for casual gatherings, or plate it artistically in pasta bowls for a more formal dining experience. It’s an excellent choice for date nights or family-friendly meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the components up to a day in advance. Cook the pasta and bacon, and make the Alfredo sauce separately. Store them in the fridge, then combine and heat right before serving to save time.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine is a classic choice for Alfredo sauce, but any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, will also work beautifully. The important thing is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before tossing it with the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, stir in more cheese or a bit of cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Whisk until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remember to keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from seizing up.
How to Whip Up the Best Bacon Alfredo in 7 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Stir the heavy cream and chicken broth into the onion mixture. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce along with half of the crispy bacon. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining bacon and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
