When it comes to comfort food, few things satisfy quite like a warm, creamy pasta bake—and this recipe takes it to the next level. Loaded with crispy bacon, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly tender spaghetti, this one-pan wonder is as easy as it is indulgent.
“Creamy, smoky, salty, and rich,” said recipe developer Marianne Williams. “The sauce has a sweet tang from the tomato paste, a kick from the red pepper flakes, and umami saltiness from the Parm.”
With minimal prep and no stovetop boiling required, this hearty, flavor-packed dinner comes together in just over an hour. Whether you’re craving a cozy family meal or a fuss-free dish that’s sure to impress guests, this pasta bake has you covered.
Ingredients
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8 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 yellow onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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3 cups chicken broth
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
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1 (1-pound) package spaghetti
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1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
![Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake ingredients on a marble surface]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Scatter bacon evenly over the bottom of a 13-x-9-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven, stirring twice during cooking, until bacon is crispy and fat has rendered, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer bacon to a small paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
![Cooked bacon in a baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the baking dish. Add onion, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper to reserved hot bacon fat in the baking dish and stir until onion is well coated in tomato paste.
![Tomato paste and crushed red peppers in a baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Add chicken broth, cream, wine, salt, 3/4 cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, and stir to combine. Spread spaghetti into broth mixture and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C), uncovered, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes, until spaghetti is tender, has absorbed most of the sauce, and the sauce has thickened, 40 to 45 minutes.
![Pasta with creamy tomato sauce in a baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Remove and top with 1/4 cup of the reserved bacon, remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and parsley.
![Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake garnished with bacon and fresh herbs in a baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Serve immediately, garnishing each serving with more reserved bacon, as desired.
![Creamy Bacon Pasta Bake in a baking dish with a serving fork, next to plates and a glass]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 698 | Calories |
| 48g | Fat |
| 37g | Carbs |
| 27g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
| Calories 698 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 48g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat 26g | 129% |
| Cholesterol 146mg | 49% |
| Sodium 2103mg | 91% |
| Total Carbohydrate 37g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 27g | 53% |
| Vitamin C 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium 250mg | 19% |
| Iron 2mg | 12% |
| Potassium 614mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
