Classic Creamy Bacon Cheese Pasta Bake (Print version)
A creamy bacon cheese pasta bake with tender pasta, crisp bacon, cheddar sauce, and a golden baked top.
# Ingredients:
For the pasta and bacon
01 -
12 oz (340 g) penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni
02 -
10 oz (285 g) bacon, chopped
03 -
Salt for the pasta water
For the cheese sauce
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 -
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
09 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
10 -
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
11 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
For the topping
15 -
1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
16 -
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe.
02 -
Boil the pasta in salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
03 -
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
04 -
Add the butter and onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
05 -
Whisk in the milk a little at a time, then whisk in the cream. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until lightly thickened. Reduce the heat to low and stir in mustard powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.
06 -
Fold in the drained pasta and most of the bacon. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed so the sauce looks loose and glossy.
07 -
Transfer to the baking dish if needed. Sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining bacon. Bake for 18-22 minutes until bubbling at the edges and golden on top.
08 -
Let the pasta bake rest for 8-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if using.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served after a short rest so the sauce settles.
02 -
Undercook the pasta slightly because it continues cooking in the oven.
03 -
Add reserved pasta water before baking if the sauce looks thick.