There is nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, cheesy hug – that is exactly what this Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne Recipe delivers. With crispy bacon, tender penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection, every bite is pure comfort food bliss. This recipe is a fantastic way to combine simple ingredients into a one-pan meal that celebrates bold flavors and easy cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners where everyone at the table wants seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this skillet baked cheesy bacon penne, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, but don’t let that fool you. Each plays a crucial role in the final dish, bringing together layers of flavor, creamy texture, and a gorgeous color contrast.
- Bacon, 5 slices: Adds smoky, crispy goodness that elevates this pasta from ordinary to crave-worthy.
- Onion, 1/2 diced: Gives a sweet, savory base that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- Garlic, 1 clove minced: Packs a punch of aromatic warmth to complement the bacon and cheese.
- Chicken broth, 10 fl oz can: Adds savory depth and ensures the pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce.
- Tomato sauce, 13.5 fl oz can: Brings bright, tangy tomato flavor that balances the richness.
- Water, 1.5 cups: Helps cook the penne evenly while keeping the sauce luscious.
- Italian seasoning, 3 dashes: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flair.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Penne pasta, 16 ounces: The hearty pasta shape that holds onto every bit of sauce and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese, 1 cup grated: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Gives the sauce extra creaminess and a hint of tang.
- Mozzarella cheese, 2 cups shredded: Creates that irresistible cheesy topping that browns perfectly in the oven.
How to Make Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Cutting the bacon into small pieces right in your skillet allows it to render its fat evenly and get nice and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat – starting medium-high works, but you might want to lower it slightly as the bacon crisps up to reduce splattering. This step builds the smoky, savory foundation of the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
While the bacon is cooking, dice your onion. Once the bacon is out, leave about a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon fat in the pan and add your onion. Cook it for around five minutes on medium heat to soften and sweeten it, setting up a tasty base for your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Liquids
Throw in the minced garlic and cook just thirty seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan well to get all those tasty browned bits mixed in. This liquid blend is the heart of your sauce, perfectly balanced to cook the pasta and meld with the bacon.
Step 4: Cook the Penne in the Sauce
Add the dry penne straight into the skillet and crank the heat to high until it boils. Lower the heat to medium-high and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. This way, the pasta absorbs the sauce flavors while reaching a tender-but-firm texture, soaking up all that deliciousness.
Step 5: Mix in the Cheese and Bacon
Once your pasta is nearly done and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half the cooked bacon pieces, parmesan cheese, and sour cream for creamy, cheesy richness. Then layer the mozzarella cheese evenly on top and sprinkle the remaining bacon all over. This layering creates that perfect texture and flavor contrast when baked.
Step 6: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Slide the skillet into a 400°F oven near the top rack to bake for 20 minutes. For the best cheesy crust, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. The result is a bubbling, golden cheese topping that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Give the dish 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit and makes serving easier while keeping all that cheesy, bacon-y goodness intact.
How to Serve Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make a lovely contrast and add a pop of color and freshness to this rich dish. A sprinkle of extra parmesan right before serving amps up the cheesy factor and a crack of fresh black pepper brings a little kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty penne pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for a touch of brightness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is another classic choice to soak up every last drippy cheese drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in the skillet itself for a rustic, shareable feel that’s perfect for casual gatherings or family meals. Or plate it into individual bowls topped with extra bacon and a drizzle of olive oil. For a fun twist, add a dollop of pesto or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to liven up each portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe reheats beautifully and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover well to keep the pasta from drying out and retain that lovely sauce texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, transfer the cooled baked penne into a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming and avoid sogginess.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks dry. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway to ensure the cheese melts evenly again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli would work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since pasta shapes absorb liquid differently.
Is it necessary to bake the pasta after cooking on the stovetop?
Baking allows the mozzarella to melt into a luscious golden crust that adds texture and flavor you simply can’t get on the stove alone. It’s definitely worth the extra step if you want that authentic baked cheesy experience.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and maybe add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky depth. You could also try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
What type of bacon is best for this dish?
Regular sliced bacon works perfectly and crisps up nicely in the skillet. If you want a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used, but it will have a different texture and less smokiness.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the bacon and chop the onion a day ahead, and grate the cheeses too. Just assemble and bake the dish when you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly becomes a household favorite. It’s satisfying, cheesy, and packed with flavor yet surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy night in, this recipe delivers everything you want in a comforting pasta bake. Give it a try—you’ll probably find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing it with everyone you care about.
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Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Baked Cheesy Bacon Penne is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, a rich tomato and chicken broth sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne. Prepared on the stovetop and finished in the oven, it’s an easy one-pan meal that combines savory flavors with a cheesy, bubbly baked topping.
Ingredients
Meat
- 5 slices bacon
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (13.5 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups water
Seasonings
- 3 dashes Italian seasoning
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta & Dairy
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (partially skim), grated
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Using kitchen shears, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Lower heat to medium if bacon starts to splatter excessively. Remove bacon and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onion: Remove most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon. Add diced onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Prepare Cheese: While the onion cooks, grate parmesan and mozzarella cheeses if not pre-grated.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack near the top.
- Cook Garlic and Build Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Adjust water gradually if sauce seems too liquidy.
- Add Penne and Simmer: Add penne pasta to the skillet and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. The pasta should be partially cooked and sauce reduced significantly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If still too saucy, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce further.
- Add Bacon and Cheeses: Turn off heat. Stir in half of the reserved bacon, parmesan cheese, and sour cream until combined. Spread an even layer of mozzarella cheese on top and sprinkle remaining bacon pieces over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a golden brown, bubbly cheese crust—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of water added depending on how much sauce you prefer with your pasta.
- Partially cooking the penne on the stovetop before baking ensures fully cooked pasta with a rich sauce.
- For extra crispy bacon, bake it separately on a baking sheet before adding to the dish.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely golden finish to the cheese topping.
- This dish serves well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
