Bacon & Leek Pasta Bake

This bacon and leek pasta bake is an easy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with simple ingredients, packed with flavour and finished in the oven until golden and bubbling. When you need an easy dinner idea that the whole family will enjoy, this is a great one to have on repeat. It’s also a brilliant way to use up leftover bacon, vegetables or bits of cheese you have in the fridge.

The combination of smoky bacon and soft, sweet leeks works so well with the pasta, while the cheesy topping turns golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s the kind of easy pasta recipe you can make for a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.

Why you’ll love this pasta bake

• Easy to make
• Perfect dinner idea (ideal for busy weeknights!)
• Family friendly
• Great for leftovers
• Easy to adapt (add extra vegetables or use whatever cheese you have)

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the bacon and leek pasta bake up to the point of adding it to the oven, then cover and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You may need to add a little extra cooking time if baking it straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fusilli works particularly well because the shape holds onto the sauce, but penne, rigatoni, macaroni or other short pasta shapes will work too.

What can I add to this pasta bake?

This is an easy recipe to adapt depending on what you have in the fridge. Try adding peas, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms or sweetcorn. You could also swap the bacon for cooked chicken or another protein.

Can I freeze pasta bake?

Yes. Allow the pasta bake to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze. Defrost thoroughly before reheating and make sure it’s piping hot throughout before serving.

What to serve with pasta bake

This bacon and leek pasta bake is a complete dinner on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables or some crusty bread.