Description

Loaded Bacon Mac and Cheese Pasta epitomizes comfort food, making it a beloved meal across households. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon goodness. The best part? You can whip it up in just thirty minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounce elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. After boiling, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season your cheese sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it is fully melted and combined.
At this stage, add the cooked pasta and sour cream to the cheese sauce. Gently mix everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in that rich and indulgent cheese sauce. Toss in half of the crispy bacon to add even more flavor.
To serve, scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls, topping each with the remaining crispy bacon and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. For an optional touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Ensure that your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will absorb some of the cheese sauce after combining. This will prevent it from becoming mushy. For the bacon, cook it until it’s nice and crispy, enhancing its flavor and texture in the dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 600
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg