Fridge Friend recipes
Creamy Bacon, Red Pepper and Mozzarella Pasta Bake recipe
A rich, comforting pasta bake with smoky bacon, sweet red pepper and a creamy cheese sauce. Finished with bubbling mozzarella for a golden, savoury topping.
45 min · Easy · British Jump to method
Ingredients
- 200g Bacon
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 150g Mozzarella Cheese
- 200g Cream Cheese
- 25g Butter
- 300g Pasta
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
| Nutrition | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 849 kcal |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 54 g |
| Saturated fat | 28 g |
| Fibre | 2.6 g |
| Sugar | 3.5 g |
| Sodium | 1170 mg |
Why this works
A rich, energy-dense pasta bake that is high in protein but also high in saturated fat and sodium, so best enjoyed occasionally rather than as an everyday meal.
High protein from bacon and cheese. Bacon, mozzarella and cream cheese provide a substantial protein hit, which supports satiety and muscle maintenance.
Provides some vitamin C and antioxidants. Red pepper contributes vitamin C and carotenoids, although the amount is modest once divided across four servings.
High in salt and saturated fat. The bacon, cheeses, butter and added salt make this dish particularly high in sodium and saturated fat, which may be a concern for heart health.
Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6). Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Fry the bacon in a dry pan until starting to crisp. Add the red bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Stir in the butter and cream cheese, then add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce into a creamy coating.
- Fold the cooked pasta through the bacon and red pepper mixture, then season well and spoon into a baking dish.
- Scatter the mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Leave to stand for a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles.
Prefer the classic version? Colourful Pepper Pasta Bake
Recipes with some of the same ingredients
Bacon, Orange Pepper and Egg Breakfast Bake
35 min · This hearty breakfast bake combines smoky bacon, sweet pepper and baked eggs with a creamy cheese finish. It is ideal for feeding a hungry table with minimal fuss.
Cheesy Bacon and Pepper Skillet
25 min · A fast one-pan meal with smoky bacon, sweet pepper and a creamy cheese finish. It is satisfying and flavourful while keeping the ingredient list simple.
Cheesy Red Pepper and Bacon Breakfast Bake
35 min · A comforting baked egg dish loaded with bacon, red pepper and melted mature cheese. It’s wholesome, filling and perfect for make-ahead brunches.
Colourful Pepper Pasta Bake
50 min · A hearty pasta bake packed with sweet roasted peppers and a rich tomato sauce, finished with bubbling melted cheese. It’s a colourful, comforting vegetarian dinner with plenty of flavour in every forkful.
Creamy Bacon, Cheese and Tomato Pasta
25 min · A comforting pasta dish with a glossy tomato sauce, smoky bacon and a creamy finish. It is simple, hearty and ideal for a speedy dinner.
Creamy Garlic and Herb Bacon Dip
20 min · A rich, savoury dip with smoky bacon, cool Greek yoghurt and creamy soft cheese, finished with sweet orange pepper for freshness. Perfect served chilled with crackers, vegetable sticks or warmed flatbreads.
Other British recipes
Rich Beef and Onion Cottage Pie
165 min · Slow-cooked braising steak is simmered with onion, carrot and stock, then topped with fluffy mashed potato and baked until golden. It is a hearty, homely supper with plenty of savoury depth.
Baked Cauliflower Cheese Gratin
40 min · Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a smooth cheddar sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a classic British dinner that feels comforting and hearty.
Creamy Red Cabbage and Beef Bake
50 min · A comforting oven-baked beef casserole with red cabbage, peppers and a soft cheese sauce. It finishes with a golden cheddar topping for a rich, satisfying dinner.
Creamy Beef Mince and Cheese Bake
60 min · A rich, comforting beef mince bake finished with a creamy, cheesy topping and golden bubbles from the oven. Hearty and satisfying, it makes a cosy family dinner with simple ingredients.
Classic Egg Custard
45 min · A silky, old-fashioned baked custard with a gentle vanilla-like sweetness and a delicate wobble. Served warm or chilled, it makes a comforting simple dessert.
Creamy Chorizo and Cheddar Sweet Potato Mash
30 min · A rich, smoky mash with sweet potato, crisp chorizo and melted cheddar folded through for a comforting side or light supper. The butter gives it a silky finish, while black pepper adds a gentle warmth.
View Category
Discover recipes from your fridge contents
Use the FridgeFriend app to recognise the ingredients already in your fridge and help you discover recipes.
