Creamy Bacon Pasta {10 Minute}

Featured in Fast Food at Home.

This crowd-pleasing creamy bacon pasta is your answer to hectic weeknight dinners. The recipe combines al dente spaghetti with crispy streaky bacon, sweet peas, and flavorful sundried tomatoes, all brought together in a silky cream cheese sauce. What makes this dish special is its simplicity and speed - it's ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy families. The bacon adds a smoky depth, while the sundried tomatoes bring a rich, concentrated flavor that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish both visually appealing and delicious. You can easily customize it with different pasta shapes or adjust the sauce consistency using reserved pasta water. Best served immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is perfectly silky, this recipe proves that a delicious, satisfying meal doesn't need complicated ingredients or lengthy cooking times.
Soo Ben
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:08:51 GMT
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These whimsical meatloaf cupcakes transform classic comfort food into fun, individual servings topped with creamy mashed potato "frosting." Perfect for picky eaters and fun-loving adults alike, they combine the best parts of two beloved dishes into one creative meal that's sure to bring smiles to the dinner table.

The first time I served these at a family dinner, the kids' eyes lit up at what looked like savory cupcakes. Even the pickiest eaters couldn't resist trying them!

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Ground beef: Choose 85/15 for the best flavor and moisture
  • Breadcrumbs: Fresh work better than dried for texture
  • Potatoes: Yukon Golds make the creamiest mashed topping
  • Vegetables: Grate them finely for best incorporation
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds essential umami depth
  • Butter: Real butter makes the best mashed potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Perfect the Meat Mixture

  • Gently combine ingredients without overworking
  • Let mixture rest for 10 minutes before portioning
  • Use an ice cream scoop for even portions
  • Press gently into muffin tins
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Master the Potato Topping

  • Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking
  • Drain thoroughly to prevent watery mash
  • Heat milk before adding to potatoes
  • Whip until smooth but don't overwork

Create the Presentation

  • Use a piping bag for professional-looking tops
  • Create swirls starting from outside edge
  • Keep consistent pressure for uniform appearance
  • Add optional garnishes thoughtfully

Ensure Perfect Baking

  • Check temperature at 20-minute mark
  • Look for slight browning on edges
  • Let rest 5 minutes before removing
  • Brown potato tops under broiler if desired

My kids love helping pipe the potato "frosting" - it's become our special Sunday dinner tradition where everyone gets to decorate their own cupcake.

Make-Ahead Success

Prepare and shape the meat mixture up to a day ahead, then bake fresh when needed.

Creative Variations

During holidays, I love using sweet potatoes for the topping and adding seasonal herbs to the meat mixture.

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After years of making these meatloaf cupcakes, I've learned they're more than just a clever presentation - they're a way to make dinner fun while still delivering the comfort food flavors everyone craves.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, any pasta shape works well in this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine are all great alternatives.
→ How can I make the sauce creamier?
Add more pasta water gradually while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water helps create a silky smooth sauce.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This pasta is best served fresh. The sauce can thicken when cooled, but you can reheat it gently with a splash of water or milk.
→ What can I substitute for sundried tomatoes?
Fresh cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes work well, though they'll give a different flavor. Cook them until softened before adding the cream cheese.
→ Can I use frozen onions and garlic?
Yes, frozen onions and garlic work perfectly in this recipe and can save prep time.

Quick Creamy Bacon Pasta Recipe

A quick and creamy pasta dish loaded with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and sundried tomatoes - ready in just 10 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Family Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 300g spaghetti or your preferred pasta
02 240g streaky smoked bacon, cut into 1cm strips
03 200g cream cheese
04 200g frozen peas

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

05 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
06 2 cloves garlic (or garlic puree)
07 170g sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and cut into thin strips
08 4 tablespoons tomato puree
09 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Cook your pasta in a pan of well salted water according to package instructions.

Step 02

In a separate pan, fry onions, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and bacon over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until onions soften and bacon cooks through. No extra oil needed as the bacon will release its own fat.

Step 03

Five minutes before pasta is done, add peas to the pasta pot and continue cooking.

Step 04

Once bacon and onions are cooked, reduce heat to low. Add tomato puree and cream cheese, stirring well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just heated through.

Step 05

Drain pasta and peas, reserving a cup of cooking water. Add pasta and peas to the bacon mixture. Season with black pepper and add splashes of reserved cooking water if needed for desired sauce consistency. Stir well and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Save some pasta cooking water - it helps create a silky smooth sauce when combining everything
  2. If serving to children, try chopping the sundried tomatoes very finely - they'll melt into the sauce
  3. The exact quantities of sundried tomatoes can be adjusted to taste

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pasta pot
  • Large frying pan
  • Colander or strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 619
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 95 g
  • Protein: 35 g