Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon Recipe

If you love quick, comforting meals, this Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon Recipe is perfect. It is creamy, cheesy and full of flavor.

Making pasta with bacon at home is easier than you think. You only need simple ingredients for Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon.

I enjoy cooking it when I want something warm and filling in just a few minutes. This recipe is a classic that never fails to impress family and friends.

Why I Love Making This Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon

I love this dish because it is simple yet feels special. The crispy bacon with creamy pasta is pure comfort food. Sometimes I make it when I’m tired after work. It always cheers me up.

My kids love helping stir the pasta and sprinkle the cheese on top. It’s a dish that brings everyone together and the kitchen smells amazing while it cooks.

Equipment List

• Large saucepan
• Frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Mixing bowl

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: British
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon

• 300g penne pasta
• 200g smoked bacon, chopped
• 200ml double cream
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil water in a large pan. Add a pinch of salt. Cook penne until al dente.
2. Prepare the Bacon
   Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Fry bacon until golden and slightly crispy.
3. Add Onion and Garlic
   Add chopped onion and garlic to bacon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
4. Pour in Cream
   Reduce heat. Slowly add double cream. Stir to mix with bacon and onions.
5. Season the Sauce
   Add salt and pepper carefully. Taste and adjust. The bacon adds natural saltiness.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Drain pasta and add to the pan with sauce. Mix gently until all pasta is coated.
7. Add Parmesan Cheese
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan over pasta. Stir lightly so cheese melts into sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use smoked pancetta instead of bacon for deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Use half cream and half milk for a lighter sauce.
• Stir in peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing bacon with mushrooms.

History or Fun Fact About the Dish

Penne pasta comes from Italy and is named after the quill-shaped pen. Bacon pasta became popular in Britain as a quick weekday meal. Mary Berry adapted classic recipes for home cooks, making them easier and reliable.

Pairings & Complementary Recipes

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Simple green salad with lemon dressing
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• Light red wine or sparkling water

Occasion or Event Ideas

This pasta works well for family dinners, casual lunch gatherings or even a quick date night at home. It’s great for weeknights and impresses guests without much effort.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Reheat gently on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of milk.
• Microwave reheating is okay but stir halfway to prevent drying.
• Avoid reheating too long or sauce may separate.

Nutrition Information

Health Benefits

This dish provides protein from bacon and cheese. Pasta gives energy from carbs. Adding parsley adds vitamins and minerals.

Using moderate cream keeps it indulgent but balanced. You can also add vegetables to increase fiber and nutrition.

Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon Recipe

If you love quick, comforting meals, this Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon Recipe is perfect. It is creamy, cheesy and full of flavor. Making pasta with bacon at home is easier than you think.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings 4

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 300 g penne pasta
• 200 g smoked bacon chopped
• 200 ml double cream
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  

Cook the Pasta

• Boil water in a large pan. Add a pinch of salt. Cook penne until al dente.

Prepare the Bacon

• Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Fry bacon until golden and slightly crispy.

Add Onion and Garlic

• Add chopped onion and garlic to bacon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.

Pour in Cream

• Reduce heat. Slowly add double cream. Stir to mix with bacon and onions.

Season the Sauce

• Add salt and pepper carefully. Taste and adjust. The bacon adds natural saltiness.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Drain pasta and add to the pan with sauce. Mix gently until all pasta is coated.

Add Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan over pasta. Stir lightly so cheese melts into sauce.

Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

• Use smoked pancetta instead of bacon for deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Use half cream and half milk for a lighter sauce.
• Stir in peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing bacon with mushrooms.

Keyword Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon Recipe

FAQs about Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon

Q1: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, cook pasta and sauce separately. Store in airtight containers. Combine and heat before serving.

Q2: Can I use low-fat cream instead of double cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Mix with a little milk for creaminess.

Q3: Can I freeze Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon?
It’s not ideal. Creamy sauces separate when frozen. Fresh cooking is best for taste.

Q4: How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace bacon with mushrooms or smoked tofu. Keep the cream and cheese for flavor.

Q5: Can I use another pasta instead of penne?
Yes, fusilli, farfalle or rigatoni work well. Choose a pasta that holds sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making Mary Berry Penne Pasta with Bacon at home is easy, fun and delicious. It’s creamy, cheesy and full of flavor. You can adjust ingredients and add vegetables to make it your own.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners or when you want comfort food fast. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Zoey Lane

Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.