Description
Rich, velvety pasta with crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms, tossed in a luscious cream sauce—this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10 oz) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
- 200g (7 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Crisp the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy (5–7 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine Everything: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky texture.
- Cook Bacon and Mushrooms Separately: This ensures each ingredient retains its unique flavor and texture. Overcrowding the pan or skipping steps might result in soggy mushrooms or less crispy bacon.
- Season Gradually: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as the bacon and Parmesan already contribute saltiness. Adjust seasoning to avoid over-salting.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min