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    Home » Pasta Recipes

    Published: Feb 17, 2020 · Modified: May 4, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

    Pappardelle Pasta with Leeks and Bacon

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    A closeup vertical photo of pappardelle pasta with leeks and bacon with title text overlay graphic

    What's better than a big old plate of warm, flavorful pasta? How about going back for seconds?

    This easy Pappardelle Pasta with Leeks and Bacon will have you doing just that.

     
    A vertical closeup image of papparadelle pasta on a white plate with leeks, bacon and a fork.

    This easy pappardelle pasta recipe is so good and so easy that I knew I couldn't keep it to myself!


    I found this recipe in the February 2013 issue of Bon Appétit magazine as I was paging through my huge pile of food magazines trying to whittle down the stack into something manageable. Ha! Like that will ever happen.

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Pappardelle with Leeks and Bacon is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    A horizontal photo of a white bowl filled with papparadelle pasta with leeks and bacon on a green place mat with a fork.

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • leeks
    • bacon
    • pappardelle pasta
    • olive oil
    • butter
    • heavy cream
    • Parmesan cheese
    • dried thyme
    • salt and pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • pasta pot
    • large skillet
    • cheese grater (optional)
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • large bowl (for cleaning the leeks)
    • wooden spoon
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • paper towels (to drain bacon)

    The beautiful leek:

    Every time I cook with leeks I'm reminded why I love them so much!

    Leeks are a truly fascinating vegetable. Visually they look like very much like scallions, but on steroids.

    When you slice a leek in half, and you'll see layers upon layers of oniony goodness.

    They really are quite beautiful and cooking with them will elevate your everyday dishes to something very special.

    What does a leek taste like?

    Leeks are members of the allium family.

    Allium means "garlic" in Latin but the allium family also contains onions, shallots, chives, and scallions (green onions).

    Leeks have a mild onion-like flavor and they tend to be sweeter and milder in flavor than their smaller counterpart, the scallion.

    Cleaning leeks:

    The one thing you do have to be aware of when you're cooking with leeks, however, is that you need to make sure to clean them properly.

    It is because of all those wonderful layers of flavors that sometimes a bit of dirt and grit can get trapped inside.

    Always make it a practice to soak cut leeks in a bowl or sink full of water so that the dirt and grit have an opportunity to fall away and not end up in your completed dish.

    It only takes an extra couple of minutes to do, but doing so is a must!

     
     
     
     

    How to properly clean leeks:

     

    How long does it take to make this easy pappardelle pasta recipe?

    Less than 30 minutes from start to dinner.

    Pappardelle with leeks and bacon is definitely a company-worthy recipe and yet it's something you could easily whip together on any random Tuesday night for a quick family-friendly meal.

    Can other pasta be used in place of the pappardelle?

    Sure! Use whatever pasta is your favorite.

    How to make easy pappardelle with leeks and bacon:

    • In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until just shy of crisp.
    • Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet.
    • Prepare the leeks by cutting off the root end and most of the deep green stalks.
    • Slice the white and light green part in half and soak in cold water to release the dirt and grit.
    • Splay the layers with your fingers to make sure you've cleaned them properly.
    • Drain thoroughly and cut into thin slices.
    • Sauté the leeks in the same pan as the bacon, making sure you've drained all but approximately 1 tablespoon of fat.
    • Add butter and season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • Add in the cooked bacon, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese (photo not shown).
     
     
     
    • Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle just shy of the package directions.
    • Drain the pasta, add olive oil and stir in the leek and cream mixture.
    • Toss and serve.
     
     
     
     
    A title text collage image of easy pappardelle pasta recipe on a white plate with chopped leeks, bacon, and black pepper.

    For additional easy pasta dishes, please click on the following titles for:

    • One-Pot Linguine with Italian Sausage and Capers (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

    "One-Pot Pasta of Linguine, Italian Sausage, Tomatoes, and Capers is an easy and satisfying meal for busy nights when time is tight, the family is hungry, and you don’t want to fuss with too much prep or clean up."

    A horizontal photo of a skillet filled with one pot linguine with sausage and capers.
    • Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from Olive and Artichoke
    • Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Peppers and Artichokes from Veggie Inspired
    • Roasted Tomato Bacon Basil Linguine (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

    "If you can turn on the oven and boil water, then you’ll be successful at making this delicious family favorite Roasted Garden Fresh Tomato Bacon Basil Linguine."

    Kitchen helpers:

    Whether you’re working all day on a blue screen device, or in the kitchen, the following affiliate products are ones I can highly recommend to save your eyesight and your sanity.

    Below is a photo of my blue blocker computer glasses in action! I swear by them! I work at the computer for what feels like all-day, every-day, and these glasses have relieved a great deal of eye-stress and migraine problems for me.

    A neurologist was the one who recommended I get myself some, and it was the best thing he could have told me to do, so now I pass that information on to you!

    An offset overhead photo of a plate filled with paparadelle pasta with leeks and bacon with a fork and a green placemat.

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's easy pasta dinner of pappardelle with leeks and bacon.

    Pappardelle Pasta with Leeks and Bacon

    Renee Goerger
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 608 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ pound of bacon cooked, drained and crumbled. Reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 medium leeks white and light green parts only cleaned and thinly sliced.
    • ¾ teaspoon coarse salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
    • 1¼ cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 pound dried pappardelle pasta or favorite variety dried pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained, but reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • In the same large skillet in which the bacon was cooked, saute the sliced leeks in the butter and the reserved bacon grease over medium heat.
    • Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and cooked bacon.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and the Parmesan cheese. Simmer on low for approximately 5 minutes.
    • Drain the pasta and gently stir in the 2 tablespoons oil.
    • Add the leek and cream mixture into the pasta and toss to coat.
    • Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water, if desired, to form a sauce.
    • Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1¼ cupsCalories: 608kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 24gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1240mgSugar: 2g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's fast and easy dinner recipe for pappardelle pasta as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

    A vertical closeup photo of a plate of pappardelle pasta with leeks and bacon and a title text over graphic image

    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

     
     

    More Pasta Recipes

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    • Alfredo Mac and Cheese
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Formicola says

      February 18, 2020 at 9:40 am

      My family loves leeks, and eeeeveryone loves bacon so I can't wait to make this! It's sure to become a family favorite!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        February 26, 2020 at 7:11 am

        For sure, Jessica!!

        Reply
    2. Savory Experiments says

      October 30, 2014 at 10:42 pm

      Pappardelle is one of those pastas that I love eating, but always forget about it. The whole dish looks amazing!

      Reply
    3. Amanda Tynis says

      October 29, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      I'm a big pasta fan! And I love the addition of leeks! I could go for a big plate of this now!

      Reply
    4. Samantha says

      October 29, 2014 at 11:25 pm

      Leeks and bacon....what a great combo. Pappardelle... I've never had the pleasure! I think I'll give it a try asap!

      Reply
    5. Nutmeg Nanny says

      October 29, 2014 at 2:00 am

      Pappardelle is my favorite pasta! Plus you threw in bacon and leeks....how delicious!

      Reply
    6. Nancy Piran says

      October 28, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      We are big pasta eaters in our house! This looks delicious!

      Reply
    7. Kellie Hemmerly says

      October 28, 2014 at 11:56 am

      Bacon and leeks together are the best! I love that you put it all on pasta...it's calling to me.

      Reply
    8. Ginny McMeans says

      October 28, 2014 at 1:50 am

      I just love your leeks lesson. All the way to the final cutting and sauteeing. Of, course, your PAPPARDELLE dish looks delicious.

      Reply
    9. foody schmoody says

      October 27, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      As soon as I saw the title of this recipe I thought "oh, yeah, leeks, why don't I use those more" and then I read that you said the same thing. They are the forgotten aren't they? This recipe looks great!

      Reply
    10. Back for Seconds says

      October 27, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      Why do I never cook with leeks? I love them! This looks delish!

      Reply
    11. Brenda@SugarFreeMom says

      October 28, 2014 at 12:38 am

      I totally get you about the magazine overload, as soon as I give some away I have more I forgot to look at! Love leeks, looks great!

      Reply
    12. Melanie says

      October 27, 2014 at 11:32 pm

      I adore leeks. This looks so comforting!

      Reply
    13. Angie Barrett says

      October 27, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      Is there anything better than a HUGE plate of Pasta? Nope, not a thing! Oh wait.. maybe two plates of this! I don't cook with leeks much but I need to!

      Reply
    14. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      October 27, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      I love how big and fat papparedelle is...I only wish I could ever find it around here. This dish sounds fantastic, like true comfort food - bacon and leeks (or onion in any form) is a magical combination!

      Reply
    15. Lauren @ HealthyDelish says

      October 27, 2014 at 7:28 pm

      i love leeks! I've made the mistake of not cleaning them well enough before... and it's one I'll never make again.This recipe looks really yummy!

      Reply
    16. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

      October 27, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      This pasta combo looks delicious and made me instantly hungry. If you can believe this, I have a hard time finding pappardelle. But Trader Joe's to the rescue. They have it, I bought it and I now know how I'm going to use it. Thanks for the recipe Renee.

      Reply
    17. Martha @ A Family Feast says

      October 27, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      We love leeks - and with bacon - AND fresh pappardelle? This sounds heavenly!

      Reply
    18. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

      October 27, 2014 at 11:59 am

      Can we say comfort food?! I could use a BIG bowl of this right now. 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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