If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Baked Pasta with Peas & Bacon is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and plenty of melted cheese before being baked until golden and bubbling. It’s an easy family dinner that’s packed with flavor and made with everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal, feeding a crowd, or looking for a make-ahead pasta bake, this recipe is a fantastic choice. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta while the bacon adds a smoky, savory bite and the cheese creates an irresistibly golden topping. Best of all, this baked pasta is simple enough for beginners and perfect for meal prep since leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy baked pasta is everything you want in an easy comfort meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly simple to prepare with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
✔ Perfect for busy weeknights
✔ Ready with simple pantry ingredients
✔ Rich, creamy, and cheesy
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Family-friendly
✔ Easy enough for beginner cooks
✔ Freezer-friendly
Creamy Baked Pasta with Peas & Bacon
Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
400 g penne pasta (or similar short pasta)
200 g bacon lardons or chopped streaky bacon
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
250 g (2 cups) frozen peas, thawed
30 g (2 tbsp) butter
30 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) cream
350 ml (1½ cups) chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
75 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
125 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella (or Gruyère)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Small pinch of nutmeg (optional but recommended)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente.
Drain and set aside. - Crisp the Bacon
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until lightly crisp.
Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan. - Soften the Onion
Add onion to the same pan and cook 4–5 minutes until tender.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. - Make the Sauce
Add butter and melt. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the warm stock, stirring constantly until smooth.
Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add the cream, Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until velvety. - Combine
Fold in pasta, peas, and bacon until well coated. - Assemble
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese. - Bake
Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.
Notes
- Expert Tips
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking while baking.
Freshly Grated Cheese Melts Better
Freshly grated mozzarella or Parmesan creates a smoother, creamier topping than pre-shredded cheese.
Reserve Pasta Water
A splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick before baking. - Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta bake pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread
Fresh green salad
Roasted broccoli
Steamed asparagus
Homemade focaccia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pasta up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Creamy Baked Pasta?
Absolutely. Let the pasta cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I substitute the ingredients?
Yes. You can replace the bacon with cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a different variation. Frozen peas can also be swapped for spinach, broccoli, or sweetcorn.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Pasta with Peas & Bacon is one of those recipes that’s simple enough for busy evenings but delicious enough to serve when friends and family come over. Rich, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors, it’s a meal everyone will love. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below—I love seeing your creations and hearing how the recipe turned out!
