Name: Bacon and Leek Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 small-to-medium leeks (chopped); 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti; 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Pepper (to taste)

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This bacon and leek pasta recipe comes together fast and uses just 6 everyday ingredients. It's great for busy weeknights but feels a little special!

You might also enjoy my Simple Potato Leek Soup or Easy Sautéed Leeks next if you've got some to use up.

Why you'll love it

I find leeks to be so underrated. If you're unfamiliar, they have a mellow buttery and mild onion taste. They're likely most popular in soups, but you don't really see them in pasta dishes as prominently, so I knew I had to create this pasta! I just love the crispy bacon and leek combo in this quick and easy pasta recipe.

This bacon leek pasta makes a wonderful way to change up your usual pasta night go-to dishes, but it's every bit as hassle-free as many other Pasta Recipes in the S&L repertoire. All you need is six ingredients and 30 minutes, and a flavorful yet simple dinner is on the table.

What you'll need

Leeks - they're in the allium family along with onions, shallots, etc. but milder and sweeter. Look for ones with a pearly white bulb without blemishes and dark green leaves.
Spaghetti - I like a longer pasta variety for this one
Bacon - I used thick-cut bacon. I recommend using a fatty bacon vs. something leaner like turkey bacon for this recipe because the bacon fat helps coat the pasta. It's an integral part of the sauce!
Garlic - go ahead and use even more if you're really into garlic. This is the garlic press I use so there's no chopping needed.
Chicken broth - adds in extra savory flavor to the sauce
Parmesan cheese - for that irresistible cheesy quality and a touch of elegance

Pro tip

I highly recommend grating your own parmesan cheese. It makes a huge difference in taste and how it melts, especially when it's one of only a few ingredients in a recipe. I keep a good-quality wedge in my fridge at all times, and it's easy to grate with my Microplane.

How to make leek and bacon pasta

This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Start by prepping the leeks. If you're unsure how, check out my How to Prepare Leeks guide. Cook the spaghetti al dente.
Cut the bacon, and fry in a skillet. Set aside, leaving behind the bacon fat. Sauté the leeks until softened, followed by the garlic.
Pour in the broth, and reduce. Before draining the pasta, add a splash of the hot starchy water to the skillet along with the bacon and the parmesan.
Remove from the heat, toss with the drained pasta with cooking tongs until coated, and season with fresh ground pepper.

Substitutions and variations

If you wanted to, you could add in a small amount of cream to the sauce just prior to tossing the pasta. This isn't a really a "saucy" kinda pasta as written.
Feel free to swap the spaghetti with a different kind of pasta. Bucatini or linguine would work well.
For a little bit of a fancy touch, swap out the chicken broth for a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.

What to serve with bacon leek pasta

This recipe makes two fairly large or four more reasonably sized portions. If you're planning on serving four, I recommend serving this with a side to ensure no one is left hungry like a dinner roll or slice of Garlic Bread to round it out.
A side salad is another good option. I suggest my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad with this, or you could make a green salad with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing.

Leftovers and storage

Leftovers of this pasta with leeks will keep in the fridge for a few days, but it's best when first made.
Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat until warmed through. If it's looking a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth. You can also grate more parm if desired.
I don't recommend freezing leftovers of this.

More easy pasta recipes

bacon leek pasta in a shallow bowl with a fork on the side

Will you give this bacon and leek pasta a try? If you have any questions or want to leave a review, let me know in the comments below! You can also tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.