Bacon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Bacon Pesto Pasta, a quick meal solution for busy weeknight dinners! Homemade pesto, bacon, and pasta mix for a winning combo!

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This Bacon Pesto Pasta is a super easy dinnertime meal that whips up in no time! Ready from beginning to end under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for any night of the week.

The ingredients are super simple and easily available so that makes this recipe so much easier to throw together. We do make our own homemade pesto, but if you want it to go faster you can use premade if you’d like.

The addition of the bacon really takes this recipe over the top. I mean doesn’t bacon make everything better? I think so at least.

We are a quick and easy meal family and that is exactly what this pesto pasta is. We absolutely cannot get enough. 

It looks a little fancy and is perfect for an easy dinner or even a dinner party, people will think that it took you hours to make, when in reality it isn’t.

If you want a tasty meal where all the ingredients work perfectly together and serves the whole family, then this is the recipe that you need.

Bacon Pesto Pasta has so much flavor, you won’t believe it. And when it’s so easy to make, it’s just a no-brainer!

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Jump to:

• WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
• HOW TO MAKE BACON PESTO PASTA:
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
• DO I HAVE TO USE SPAGHETTI?
• DO I HAVE TO USE THICK-CUT BACON?
• CAN I ADD OTHER MEATS TO THIS?
• ANY ADDITIONS?
• ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
• HOW TO STORE:
• DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
• Bacon Pesto Pasta Recipe

1. This comes together in less than 30 minutes.
2. You can make your own homemade pesto or use jarred.
3. Easily double this recipe to serve more people.

• Fresh basil
• Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil 
• Toasted chopped pecans 
• Garlic
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• Thick-cut bacon
• Spaghetti noodles

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1. Place the basil, parmesan, pecans, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse while slowly adding in the olive oil until smooth. Taste, season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Set aside.
2. Cut the bacon into 1-inch slices, fry until crispy in a medium-sized skillet. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. Drain the remaining bacon onto a paper towel and set aside.
3. Cook the pasta to al dente and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. 
4. Add the pasta to a large bowl. Add in the pesto, reserved bacon grease, and ¼ cup of the pasta cooking liquid, and toss to coat the noodles. If it seems dry, add a little more of the pasta water until saucy. 
5. Garnish with the crispy bacon. Serve as is or with your favorite salad and bread, enjoy!

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DO I HAVE TO USE SPAGHETTI?

You can use whatever pasta you like, just make sure it is the same amount as in the recipe.

We like to use angel hair, thin spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, penne, and rotini the most.

DO I HAVE TO USE THICK-CUT BACON?

We like to use thick-cut bacon but regular bacon is okay too.

If using regular bacon, use 16 slices.

We like the applewood smoked variety the best, but use what you like.

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CAN I ADD OTHER MEATS TO THIS?

It is a fantastic dish in itself, but you can add additional proteins like chicken, pork, or shrimp.

We have tried them all and each taste amazing, so use what you’d like!

ANY ADDITIONS?

Why, yes! Yes there are additions. As always, I’ve got you covered, people!

• Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness and color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili flakes for a spicy kick to your pesto pasta recipe.
• Brussels Sprouts: Sauté sliced brussels sprouts over medium-high heat until tender and add them to the pasta for extra nutrients.
• Heavy Cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to make a creamy pesto sauce that’s rich and indulgent.
• Lemon Juice: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the finished dish to brighten up the flavors.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Top your pasta with extra grated parmesan cheese for even more cheesy goodness.
• Basil Leaves: Garnish with whole basil leaves for a fragrant and fresh presentation.
• Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the pasta for a delightful crunch.
• Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken or sautéed chicken pieces to make it a heartier meal.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an intense tomato flavor that complements the basil pesto.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

I love all of these flavors SO MUCH.

Let’s sub out a few things while keeping that amazing taste.

• Store-Bought Pesto: Save on prep time by using store-bought pesto instead of making it from scratch.
• Type of Pasta: Swap the spaghetti with penne pasta or any other type of pasta you prefer, like fusilli or farfalle.
• Pecans: Replace pecans with traditional pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds in the pesto.
• Bacon Rashers: Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives instead of traditional bacon rashers for a lighter option.
• Bacon Fat: If you prefer not to use bacon fat, substitute with extra olive oil when tossing the pasta.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Opt for gluten-free dry pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

This can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3 days.

If you have any leftovers I suggest keeping the bacon and noodles separate, the bacon will get very soggy if left in the pasta.

This can also be frozen, placed in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, add the noodles to a skillet with a little water to help them loosen up.

Fry the leftover bacon in a small pan until crispy again, serve, and enjoy.

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Want a dinner that looks fancy but in reality is super simple?

Then you absolutely have to whip up this Bacon Pesto Pasta for dinner ASAP!

If you’ve tried this BACON PESTO PASTA let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!