❤️ Introduction
This Creamy Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! 🍝🥓🧀 Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon and tomatoes, then loaded with cheddar and mozzarella and baked until bubbling, golden, and irresistibly cheesy.
Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, game day, or an easy weekend meal!
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 tbsp salt, for pasta water
Bacon & Tomato
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
For topping
- ½ cup additional mozzarella
- 2–3 tbsp crispy bacon
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the bacon 🥓
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden.
Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Sauté the vegetables
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
3. Cook the pasta 🍝
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. It should be slightly firm because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain well.
Tip: Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Make the creamy cheese sauce 🧀
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the heavy cream.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add the cream cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted.
Season with:
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
6. Add the cheese
Gradually stir in:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Pour over the creamy cheese sauce.
Add the sautéed tomatoes and onions and about ⅔ of the crispy bacon.
Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
8. Assemble the casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy bacon.
9. Bake 🔥
Bake uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For an extra golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
⚠️ Watch it closely under the broiler so the cheese doesn’t burn.
10. Finish & serve 😍
Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5–10 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot while the cheese is still beautifully stretchy.
⭐ Tips for the BEST Pasta Bake
🧀 Shred your own cheese: It melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded cheeses.
🥓 Make the bacon extra crispy: It gives a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta.
🍝 Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta works best for baking.
🌶️ Want some heat? Add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
🍅 More tomato flavor: Add 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste to the sautéed tomatoes.
🔥 Extra cheesy: Add another ½ cup mozzarella before baking.
🥖 Serve with: Garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
🧊 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, add a small splash of milk and microwave or warm gently in the oven until hot.
🍽️ Final Result
Creamy sauce + crispy bacon + juicy tomatoes + cheddar + mozzarella + Parmesan = one seriously addictive pasta bake! 🥓🧀🍝🔥