Best 2 Cheddar Bacon Penne Recipes

Craving a delightful and satisfying meal? Look no further than the Cheddar Bacon Penne, a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the smoky flavor of bacon, and the comforting texture of penne pasta. This delectable dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this cheesy, bacon-infused pasta that will tantalize your taste buds. In addition to the classic Cheddar Bacon Penne, this article also features variations that cater to different preferences, including a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, a spicy jalapeño kick, and a vegetarian-friendly option. So, gather your ingredients, grab your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the flavors of the Cheddar Bacon Penne and its delightful variations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHEDDAR BACON PENNE

Cheddar Bacon Penne image

Sandra Bienz from Calgary, Alberta gave this satisfying classic extra flair by mixing in bacon crumbles and minced garlic.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked penne pasta
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon butter
4-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bacon strip, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside. , In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted. , Drain pasta. Add pasta, bacon and onion mixture to the sauce; stir to coat. Transfer to a 3-cup baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 528 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 87mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

CHEDDAR BACON PENNE PASTA RECIPE - (4.3/5)

Cheddar Bacon Penne Pasta Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by theresaoneil

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked penne pasta
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
4 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided, about 6 ounces
1 bacon strip, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted. Drain pasta. Add pasta, bacon and onion mixture to the sauce; stir to coat. Transfer to a 3-cup baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 2 servings.

Tips:

Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and tools ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking the pasta until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
Use a good quality cheddar cheese: The cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, so make sure you use a good quality cheese that you enjoy the taste of.
Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the bacon, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the bacon from cooking evenly and will make it more likely to stick to the pan.
Season to taste: Be sure to season the dish to taste with salt and pepper. You may also want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.

Conclusion:

This cheddar bacon penne is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the whole family. It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it comes together in just 30 minutes. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite.