Posted on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in
Pasta Recipes
Discover the easiest creamy bacon and cheese pasta recipe! A quick meal featuring smoky bacon and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.
| Preparation time | 15 min |
| Cooking Time | 35 min |
| Ready In | 50 min |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 Servings |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 518 kcal |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Carbs | 43 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
Ingredients
2½ cups short pasta (about 200 g dry; penne, fusilli, or macaroni)2 tablespoons butter1/4 cup all-purpose flour2 cups milk1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 110–115 g)5 oz (150 g) ham, diced(can be replaced with shredded cooked/roasted chicken or fish such as tuna or salmon)1 cup fresh spinach1 medium carrot, grated (about 1 cup)1 small zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)1 teaspoon dried oregano or thymeThin bacon strips, chopped (about 2–3 slices, optional)Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a smooth white sauce.
- Stir in ½ cup of the mozzarella, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the spinach, grated carrot, and grated zucchini.
- Add the ham (or alternative protein) and the white sauce.
- Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or Pyrex.
- Sprinkle with oregano (or thyme), then top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Finish with the chopped bacon on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Recipe & Photo Credit: Melhores Receitas
Recommended Cook Book
Want to master more authentic Portuguese dishes? I learned so many cooking techniques from Taste Portugal 101 Easy Portuguese Recipes—it’s a staple in our kitchen and the perfect companion to the recipes on this site.
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