Print

Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta
Print Recipe

Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish that blends smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, luscious creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, delivering rich umami flavors with a satisfying texture that warms the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 200g fresh button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 250g fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon pieces until crispy. Remove them onto paper towels to drain excess fat but keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add olive oil if needed and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant to avoid burning.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with mushrooms and garlic. Let it simmer gently to thicken, then add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta, mixing well to coat with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
  6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use pasta water: Always save some pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help it cling to the noodles.
  • Don’t overcook mushrooms: Cook mushrooms just until golden to maintain their texture and natural flavor.
  • Rendering bacon fat: Use the bacon fat for sautéing mushrooms to infuse every bite with smoky goodness.
  • Choose the right cream: Heavy cream works best for a rich, thick sauce, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter touch.
  • Freshly grate cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and more vibrant flavor than pre-grated options.
  • Work quickly when combining: Toss pasta and sauce promptly to keep noodles from sticking or drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy bacon mushroom pasta, bacon pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, mushroom pasta, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/creamy-bacon-mushroom-pasta/