Creamy Pancetta Baked Macaroni

Creamy Pancetta Baked Macaroni combines the rich and smoky flavors of pancetta with the classic goodness of macaroni and cheese. Crispy pancetta adds savory crunch and depth flavor while mushrooms, parsley and Parmesan take this pasta meal to another level of deliciousness!

There is no denying that double cheese baked macaroni is a comfort food favorite but when you add some crispy pancetta and earthy mushrooms it becomes even more satisfying and decadent! 

This creamy pancetta baked macaroni is not only rich and indulgent like my creamy pancetta broccoli pasta but so satisfying when you are craving a warm and hearty meal! With its elegant twist of decadent ingredients, it’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners just like pancetta and pesto pasta. 

Say goodbye to any boxed version of mac and cheese because after only one taste I know you will love this grown-up version of macaroni and cheese with pancetta! 

Why You Will Love Pancetta Mac And Cheese

• Gourmet mac and cheese: Mac and cheese with pancetta is an adult version of the childhood classic, it’s equally impressive for guests and date nights but also easy enough for weeknight family dinners. 
• Restaurant quality: With complex flavors that range from smokey and savory to fresh and earthy this creamy pancetta baked macaroni recipe will have you thinking about mac and cheese in a whole new way! 
• Salty and savory: While this dish isn’t overly cheesy and creamy, the saltiness of the pancetta mixed with the cream and Parmesan creates the best combination. 
• Simple to make: With only 7 easy-to-find ingredients and 40 minutes of time this easy recipe for creamy baked mac can be on your dinner table! 

Recipe Ingredients

• Pancetta: Pancetta is a cured meat made from pork belly. It’s salty, smokey and some would call it “Italian bacon”. I like it in sticks, but diced pancetta works, too. 
• Sliced mushrooms: Use whatever mushrooms you would like for this pancetta baked macaroni. 
• Fresh chopped Italian parsley: Adds a fresh taste but you could also use fresh thyme if you desired. 
• Whole cream: I recommend whole cream, heavy cream or whipping cream for the best creamy pancetta mac and cheese. Whole milk works in a pinch! 
• Short pasta: You will need 4 cups of cooked pasta al dente. 
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block is best for any cheese casserole.

How To Make Creamy Pancetta Baked Macaroni

To start, cook your pasta al dente in salted water and then drain well.

In a medium-sized oven safe pan, add the olive oil and the pancetta and cook on medium heat for a couple of minutes before adding the sliced mushrooms, parsley and a pinch of black pepper. Cook on medium heat until golden.

Add in the cream and heat before adding the drained pasta. Stir your stovetop macaroni and cheese gently into the creamy sauce to combine. 

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at until golden brown. Serve immediately.

How To Cook Pasta

Always cook the pasta in enough water, you will need 4 cups (1 litre) for 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams) of pasta. Be sure to choose the correct size pot, you don’t want the water to reach the rim and overflow, because pasta, when cooked, can increase in volume up to three times. Always cover the pot when boiling the water, but remove it once the pasta has been added.

Calculate about 7 g of salt for every litre of water. Add the salt only when the water has reached a boil and never before.

After adding the pasta to the pot, bring it back to a boil and keep it at a boil while the pasta is cooking. This allows the pasta to achieve an even cooking, be sure to stir frequently while it is cooking.

Never pass the freshly drained pasta under running tap water. You should never stop the cooking, even when you are making a cold pasta salad, let it cool by adding a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Two ounces dry pasta is equal to 1/2 cup of dry pasta, which comes out to be about 1 cup of cooked pasta.

Substitutions And Variations

• Type of pasta: Any type of short pasta works in creamy pancetta baked macaroni including a gluten-free pasta if needed. 
• Cheesier: To make a four cheese mac and cheese with pancetta, use Romano, cheddar cheese, Gruyere and Parmesan. You can also use just a combination of two cheeses like Gruyere and mozzarella or cheddar cheese and Parmesan. 
• Vegetables: If you would like to add a pop of green to this pancetta pasta, try adding some spinach or even green peas! Peas and pancetta are a fantastic combination.
• Panko topping: If you love your baked pasta with a crunchy topping, combine some panko or bread crumbs with butter and Parmesan cheese. Add to the top of the pasta before baking.

Tips For The Best Macaroni And Cheese With Pancetta 

• Equipment needed: You will need a heavy bottomed pan that is oven safe. I love a heavy duty cast iron skillet. 
• Al dente pasta: Only cook your pasta to very al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. Nothing worse than mushy pasta, says the Italian (and me, too!)
• Freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block not only tastes better but does not contain any additives like pre-grated cheese. 
• Short-cut pasta: Medium shells, elbow macaroni, pipettes, fusilli, cavatappi or campanelle all work! You will love how the sauce fills the nooks and crannies of the pasta shapes in this cheese bake.
• Add some pasta water: There is nothing worse than dry mac! Reserve some of your pasta and add to the baked macaroni as needed or before placing in the oven. A splash of white wine works the same way, too! 
• Additional spice: I like to add a 1/2 teaspoon oregano and a dash or two of hot pepper flakes for additional flavor in this favorite mac recipe! 

Recipe FAQs

More Creamy Pasta Dishes

• Homemade Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
• Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
• Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta
• Pancetta and Mascarpone Anelli
• Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

So if you are looking for a delicious Italian comfort food, put this Creamy Pancetta Baked Macaroni at the top of the list. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Buon Appetito!

Updated from March 28, 2018.