Bacon Bowtie Pasta is a simple and comforting dish that can be served as a main meal or a side dish. Totally customizable and ready in about 30 minutes, this pasta will be a family favorite!
Bacon Bowtie Pasta
I am always looking for quick and easy recipes and family-friendly dinner ideas. The idea for this one came from an old cookbook and checks all my requirements. I like it, the kids like it, and it’s easy and it’s delicious!
You need just seven everyday ingredients and it’s the recipe is easily customized. The pasta is creamy and comforting but light enough to make in the warm months. The bacon and Parmesan cheese add great salty and savory flavor to the otherwise mellow sauce.
What is Bowtie Pasta Called?
If you’re searching the pasta aisle for bowtie pasta, you won’t find it. The official name of this shape is Farfalle. Though any pasta shape will do, bowtie is great because it grabs the sauce in the crevices. Plus, it’s cute; we love it in my Chicken Taco One Pot Pasta, and in Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
How to Make Bacon Bowtie Pasta
This pasta is so easy to throw together with so few ingredients, it’s definitely a go-to meal.
- First, cook the pasta to your perfect level. My husband prefers well cooked pasta so I usually cook it a minute past al dente, but it’s up to your personal preference.
- While the pasta is boiling, cook your bacon using your favorite method. I usually opt for cooking bacon in the oven, but I’ve also been using the air fryer lately.
- Next, add room temperature cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning to a microwave-safe bowl. Beat it with a hand mixer until smooth, then stream in the milk until fully combined. Microwave for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until it’s all melted and you have a cheesy sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and top with the crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese. The bacon and Parmesan are salty, but season with salt & pepper, if you think it needs it.
Serving Suggestions
- Though this pasta is a meal in itself, you can add grilled chicken or spicy garlic shrimp to up the protein.
- To add some color to the dish, you could stir in asparagus, peas or sun-dried tomatoes.
- I like to serve it with Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts and quick and easy Wheat Rolls or Garlic Knots.
- You can easily double this recipe if you have a crowd to feed. To stretch it further, add a protein or veggie.
- If you want to lighten up the calories, you can use turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, and skim milk.
How 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.
More pasta recipes to try:
- Spicy Lemon Asparagus & Bacon Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Four Cheese Rigatoni
- One Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Bacon Bowtie 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of 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.
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.