Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Spaghetti with Bacon and Peas—a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Tender spaghetti is coated in a rich, velvety cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, infused with the savory crunch of crispy bacon and the subtle sweetness of peas. The simple, homemade roux-based sauce comes together in minutes, while the bacon adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the creaminess. This hearty dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to be everyone’s favorite on the table. Perfect for lovers of quick pasta recipes, cheesy delights, and savory one-skillet meals!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, chop the bacon into small pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the frozen peas to the cheese sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.
Mix the cooked spaghetti and crispy bacon into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Calories |
2800 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.6 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.9 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 478 mg | 159% | |
| Sodium | 6990 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.3 g | ||
| Protein | 158.6 g | 317% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.0 mcg | 35% | |
| Calcium | 2365 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 2291 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.