Go Back
Print Recipe

Creamy Tomato and Bacon Penne

Smoky bacon, creamy tomato sauce, and penne pasta come together for a rich, quick meal that’s comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: chicken dinner recipe, cream-based pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe, pasta, pasta dinner recipe, quick dinner recipe, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner recipes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater (for Parmesan)
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some fat in the pan.
  • Add olive oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat until soft.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently until heated through.
  • Return the bacon to the pan, then add the cooked penne. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.

Notes

Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Top Tips: Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t go mushy. Use high-quality bacon for better flavor. Don’t let the cream boil, just let it gently simmer to keep the sauce smooth.