Creamy Four-Cheese Pasta Bake with Crispy Bacon and Peas
Indulge in this decadent Creamy Four-Cheese Pasta Bake, where comfort food meets gourmet flair. This dish showcases tender penne pasta cooked directly in a rich, velvety sauce of low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing each bite to soak up all the delicious flavors. The smoky bacon and sweet green peas add a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. Finished off with a mesmerizing blend of Parmigiano-Reggiano and a four-cheese blend, this pasta bake is then toasted in the oven until golden and bubbly. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it's a cheesy delight that everyone will love!
5
Servings
440
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 slices (chopped fine)
Onion
1 small (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Low sodium chicken broth
3 cups
Heavy cream
1 cup
Penne
3/4 lb
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Frozen peas
1 cup
Four cheese blend
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven by adjusting the rack to the upper-middle position and setting it to 500°F (260°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
4
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, add the penne pasta and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1/2 cup of the four-cheese blend, and frozen peas. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
7
Sprinkle the remaining four-cheese blend over the top of the pasta mixture.
8
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy pasta bake!
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Creamy Four-Cheese Pasta Bake with Crispy Bacon and Peas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 440 calories in each serving.
What type of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of Penne pasta.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be adjusted to the upper-middle position.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
You should use 4 slices of bacon and chop them fine before cooking.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon in a nonstick skillet for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
What vegetables are sautéed with the bacon?
One small diced onion and two minced garlic cloves are sautéed with the bacon.
What liquids are used to cook the pasta?
The pasta is cooked in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream.
Do I need to boil the pasta in water first?
No, the penne is cooked directly in the broth and cream mixture in the skillet.
How long does the pasta need to simmer?
The pasta should simmer covered for approximately 15 minutes.
What are the two types of cheese mentioned in the ingredients?
The recipe uses grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a shredded four-cheese blend.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Stir in the 1 cup of frozen peas after removing the skillet from the heat, along with the first portion of cheese.
How much cheese is mixed into the pasta versus sprinkled on top?
1/2 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano and 1/2 cup of the four-cheese blend are stirred in, while the remaining 1/2 cup of the four-cheese blend is sprinkled on top.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
It bakes for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 24g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What kind of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for this recipe.
Is there any salt added during the cooking process?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added when the pasta begins to simmer, and sea salt is used later for seasoning to taste.
Can this recipe be considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
What kind of broth should I use for best results?
The recipe specifically recommends low-sodium chicken broth.
What texture should the pasta be after simmering?
The pasta should be tender and should have absorbed most of the liquid.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The onion should be diced.
What gives the dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the 4 slices of finely chopped crispy bacon.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to remove the skillet from the oven and serve it hot.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, bake, cheese, bacon, peas, comfort food, easy recipe, creamy, dinner, and family-friendly.