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This creamy Bacon Bowtie Pasta comes together fast with simple ingredients and big flavor. With smoky bacon, tender pasta, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, this dinner is satisfying comfort food the whole family will love.
In under 30 minutes, you can have a cozy pasta dish on the table that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with bacon.
Try This Next: My Chicken Alfredo Bake or Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta are more comfort food favorites to keep dinner stress-free and delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy – On the table in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love this creamy bacon pasta.
- Simple ingredients – Just a handful of pantry and fridge staples.
- Rich and comforting – Cream cheese and butter make a luxuriously smooth sauce.
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
Before You Begin
To keep this recipe smooth and stress-free, have all your ingredients softened and measured out before starting. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature so they blend easily and evenly into the sauce.
Tools & Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or pan for cooking bacon
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Serving spoon
Ingredient Notes
- Bowtie pasta – Cook until tender, then drain and keep warm.
- Bacon – Cook until crisp and crumble for added crunch and smoky flavor.
- Cream cheese – Softened for smooth blending.
- Butter – Also softened, adds richness.
- Italian seasoning – Adds herb flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Milk – 2% milk works well, but whole milk will create a creamier sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Use grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
How To Make Bacon Bowtie Pasta
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until tender. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.
Cook the bacon until crisp using your preferred method. Crumble and set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
While mixing on low speed, slowly stream in the milk until fully combined and smooth.
Microwave the cream cheese mixture for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot and smooth.
Pour the sauce over the warm pasta and toss to coat.
Top with Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Regular or thick-cut pork bacon works best. Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells are great alternatives to bowties.
Is it okay to use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese and milk work, but the sauce may be less creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Stir in peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color. You can also swap bacon for pancetta or cooked sausage.
Storage Tips
The Best Way to Store Leftovers
A creamy pasta sauce doesn’t always freeze well, so I recommend storing in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoying within a few days. You can reheat in the microwave (at 50% power) or on the stovetop.
Recipe Tips
- Soften cream cheese and butter fully before mixing.
- Stir the sauce often during microwaving to prevent lumps.
- Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Try These Pasta Recipes Next
- Spicy Lemon Asparagus & Bacon Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Four Cheese Rigatoni
- One Pot Chicken Spaghetti
- Lemon Butter Pasta
- Baked Feta Pasta
Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1/2 pounds bacon
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup milk I used 2%
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil and cook the pasta until tender. Drain and set aside, keeping warm.
- Cook the bacon using your preferred method until crisp and then crumble.
- Add the softened cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth. While beating on low, stream in the milk until fully combined and smooth.
- Microwave the cream cheese mixture for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until thoroughly heated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and toss to coat. Top with shredded Parmesan and crumbled bacon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
Hi Kristen- I love your recipes. Always looking for something different but delicious. You never let me down. I look forward to your ideas, tips and recipes every day. Keep it up! Happy Cooking, Betty
Hi Betty, Thank you so much for the kind words, you made my day.
Kristin.