Ingredients
Spaghetti – 12 oz (340g)
Bacon – 6 slices, chopped
Mushrooms (cremini or button) – 8 oz (225g), sliced
Heavy cream – 1 cup (240ml)
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (50g), grated
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Crisp the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave some bacon grease in the pan.
3️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms & Garlic:
- In the same pan, add olive oil (if needed) and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6️⃣ Final Touches:
- Stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
1️⃣ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Always cook your spaghetti al dente (firm to the bite). This helps it hold up better when tossed in the creamy sauce, preventing a mushy texture.
2️⃣ Save Some Pasta Water – The starchy pasta water is key to achieving a silky, smooth sauce. Add it gradually to adjust the consistency without making the sauce too heavy.
3️⃣ Use High-Quality Ingredients – Fresh mushrooms, thick-cut bacon, and real Parmesan make all the difference. Better ingredients = better flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min