Bacon Pesto Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Bacon Pesto Pasta recipe combines nourishing pasta and crispy bacon in a vibrant, herbaceous pesto sauce, making it the perfect satisfying and easy meal for any weeknight.

Bacon truly elevates any dish. From air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus to bacon mushroom quiche and even Filipino fried rice, the addition of crispy, crunchy, salty bacon always adds an irresistible layer of flavor.

If you’re a fan of comforting, flavorful meals, you’ll absolutely love this bacon pesto pasta recipe.

This pasta dish is incredibly cozy and satisfying. The bacon provides a delightful crunch with every bite, while the pesto offers a balancing acidity and bright, herbal notes. It’s a dish you could easily enjoy every week!

Why This Bacon Pesto Pasta Recipe Works

Creating a flavorful, restaurant-quality pasta dish doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. You can easily make this recipe at home without spending a lot of time or money. Here’s why this Bacon Pesto Pasta recipe is a winner:

Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only a handful of easy-to-find and affordable ingredients.
Bright and Herby Flavor: The pesto not only adds incredible flavor but also brings a vibrant color to the dish. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own fresh basil pesto at home for an even more authentic taste.
Vegetarian-Friendly Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply use plant-based bacon or omit the bacon altogether. The dish will still be packed with delicious flavor.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: This meal comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

Key Ingredients for Bacon Pesto Pasta

Pasta: Corkscrew-shaped pastas like cellentani, fusilli, and rotini work particularly well in this recipe, as they capture the sauce beautifully. However, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to use almost any pasta shape you prefer. Tubular pastas like rigatoni or penne, and long-strand pastas like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine are all excellent options. The choice is yours!
Pesto: For the best flavor, use a high-quality pesto. You can use your favorite store-bought pesto or try making your own fresh basil pesto recipe. Homemade pesto really elevates the dish!
Garlic: You might be wondering, “Isn’t there already garlic in pesto?” The answer is yes! But you can never truly have too much garlic. The additional garlic intensifies the flavor and adds a delightful aromatic element.
Bacon: Bacon is the star of this dish, providing a smoky flavor and delightful crunchy texture. Choose your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut or regular.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté the bacon and garlic. The olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps to create a flavorful base for the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the pasta a pleasant, tangy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bacon Pesto Pasta

Here’s an overview and some step-by-step photos to guide you through creating this delicious pasta dish! The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

First, bring water to a boil in a large pot and begin cooking the pasta according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the bacon and sauté it in a large skillet with some olive oil until it’s almost crispy.

Add the minced garlic to the pan with the bacon and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease from the pan, leaving the crispy bacon and garlic behind.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente and drained, toss it together with the pesto sauce in a large bowl, ensuring that all the pasta is well coated.
Add the pesto-covered pasta to the pan with the bacon and garlic. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Pesto Pasta!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Pesto Pasta

How do you store bacon pesto pasta?

Store any leftover bacon pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days.

What is the best way to reheat bacon pesto pasta?

To reheat, sprinkle a little water or olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it either on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, add the pasta to a nonstick pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.

Can you make bacon pesto pasta vegetarian?

Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply use plant-based bacon or skip the bacon altogether. The pesto and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor.

Can I add other proteins or vegetables to bacon pesto pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this versatile pasta dish by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Cooked chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, and peas all make great additions.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Pesto Pasta

Bacon Pesto Pasta is a hearty and satisfying main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with fresh vegetable sides, such as zesty garlic lemon asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots, for a balanced meal.

Alternatively, you can complement the pesto and garlic flavors with warm and crispy pesto bread, air fryer garlic bread, or garlic rosemary focaccia bread.

Wine Pairing Suggestions for Bacon Pesto Pasta

A dry white wine pairs beautifully with the bright, herbaceous flavors of this dish. Here are a few recommendations:

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blancs are typically high in acidity and have herbaceous notes that complement the pesto. Their crispness helps cut through the richness of the pasta.
Chardonnay: Opt for an unoaked Chardonnay rather than a richer, buttery one. The cleaner flavors and higher acidity will balance the creaminess of the pesto perfectly.
Vinho Verde: Produced in northern Portugal, Vinho Verde is a light, crisp, and floral wine that pairs ideally with the bright flavors and satisfying nature of this Bacon Pesto Pasta.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Bacon Pesto Pasta

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

High-quality Pans or Skillets: You’ll need a good-quality skillet to cook the bacon and garlic properly. Investing in a reliable set of pans is essential for any home cook.
Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients without scratching your pan.
Pasta Strainer: A durable and affordable stainless steel pasta strainer will make draining the pasta quick and easy.

Enjoy creating this delightful and easy Bacon Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

Dairy-Free Lobster Mac and Cheese
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Fall Pasta Recipes
Cherry Tomato and Pesto Pasta

If you made this recipe, don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card below, and leave a comment on the page. Thank you!