Here’s a delicious recipe for a Bacon Pasta Casserole:
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Enjoy your Bacon Pasta Casserole!