If you’re seeking a pasta dish that combines creamy indulgence with a smoky, spicy kick, this Chipotle Bacon Alfredo checks all the boxes. I gave this recipe a go last weekend, and it was an instant favorite!

The smoky chipotle peppers paired with the crunch of crispy bacon and the creamy Alfredo sauce create a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s shockingly simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this unforgettable dish.

Chipotle Bacon Alfredo Recipe — Source: badbatchbaking

Ingredients

The recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb mafaldine or fettuccine pasta
Pro Tip: Mafaldine’s ribbon-like edges soak up sauces perfectly, but fettuccine also works beautifully.
1 medium yellow onion, diced
Adds a slightly sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Nothing beats fresh garlic for a punch of flavor.
A small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
Removes stems for a fresh, herby finish.
1 pack diced bacon
Opt for thick-cut bacon for a chewy texture or pancetta for an Italian twist.
1 1/3 cups half and half
Creates a balance between creaminess and lightness.
1 cup sour cream
Smoothens the sauce while mellowing the heat from the chipotle.
1 (7 oz) can of chipotles in adobo sauce
Smoky, spicy, and the star ingredient of this dish!
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
Intensifies the umami in the sauce.
½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
Adjust based on your taste preference.
½ cup reserved pasta water
Helps emulsify the sauce for a silky finish.
⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pro Tip: Always grate your cheese fresh; pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
½ cup shredded Mexican cheese mix
Adds an extra level of gooey goodness.

Note: This recipe yields about four generous servings.

Variations

Want to make this recipe suit your dietary needs or experiment with new flavors? Here are some ideas:

Dairy-Free: Replace half and half and sour cream with unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
No Pork: Sub the bacon with turkey bacon or diced chicken sausage.
Extra Heat: Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Low Carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or a cauliflower gnocchi alternative.

For a twist, try pairing this with Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo for a hearty meal.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s a quick checklist of the tools you’ll need to make this recipe:

Large pot – For cooking the pasta to al dente.
Large skillet – To crisp the bacon and create the sauce.
Blender or food processor – For blending the chipotle Alfredo sauce.
Colander – For draining the pasta.
Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the sauce and pasta.

How to Make Chipotle Bacon Alfredo?

Mastering this extraordinary pasta dish is simpler than you think. Just follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by adding diced bacon to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until it’s golden and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, setting aside the rendered grease.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

While the bacon sizzles, create the sauce in your blender. Combine half and half, sour cream, chipotles in adobo, chicken bouillon, and a dash of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra splash of half and half.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook it to al dente, according to the package instructions. Scoop out half a cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving behind about two tablespoons. Throw in the diced onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and stir for another minute or two.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Pour the blended chipotle sauce into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir to combine, then toss in the grated parmesan and shredded cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly. Fold in most of the bacon, leaving some for garnish.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pasta immediately, topping with the reserved bacon and extra parsley for those final touches. Enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours:

Blend the sauce well to ensure an even consistency without little chunks of chipotle.
Reserve extra pasta water just in case the dish thickens too much as you toss the pasta.
Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will cook slightly more once combined with the hot sauce.
Serve right away to fully enjoy the creamy, velvety goodness of the fresh sauce.

If you’re in the mood for something crispy, consider serving it alongside Crispy Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Ranch Slaw for a delightful contrast.

How to Serve Chipotle Bacon Alfredo?

This recipe is best served fresh, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving makes the dish even more decadent. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Want to make it fancier? Plate it family-style on a serving platter, with extra bacon crumbles and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutritional Information

This recipe strikes a balance between indulgent and practical. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~560
Protein: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~34g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning to save some for later? Here’s how to store it properly:

Restoring: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This pasta dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.
Reheating: Heat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of half and half if the sauce thickens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chipotle Bacon Alfredo is guaranteed to win hearts. Here’s why:

Effortlessly quick: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
Customizable: Perfect for swapping ingredients to suit your dietary needs or tastes.
Packed with flavor: A combination of smoky, spicy, creamy, and savory notes.
Perfect any night: Ideal for both casual evenings and special occasions.
Restaurant-quality: A rich, satisfying dish made from simple ingredients at home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your dish turns out perfectly:

Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Grate it fresh!
Adding bacon too early: Wait until the end to fold in bacon so it remains crispy.
Overloading the sauce with chipotle: Start with half the can and adjust to taste if you’re spice-sensitive.
Skipping the pasta water: That starchy liquid is essential for creating a smooth sauce.

And there you have it! This Chipotle Bacon Alfredo will surely become one of your go-to dishes, whether for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dinner-party offering. Enjoy every smoky, creamy bite!

For more inspiration, explore our collection of Chicken Recipes to find your next favorite dish.

Ash Tyrrell