Imagine a meal that combines the rich, indulgent flavors of creamy Alfredo, crispy bacon, and sweet peas - all miraculously prepared in just one pot! This show-stopping One Pot Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this Italian-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to experience pasta perfection that's both luxurious and incredibly easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same pan with bacon drippings, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the dry rigatoni pasta directly to the pan, along with 3 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until pasta is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, frozen peas, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and pasta is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce seems too thick, add a little more cream or pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow sauce to further thicken.
- Garnish with reserved crispy bacon pieces and chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't rush the bacon cooking process - crispy bacon adds crucial texture and flavor to the dish.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the sauce seems too thick, always have some pasta water or extra cream on hand to adjust consistency.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cream.
- Ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate the pasta and allow for proper stirring.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
