Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
This Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta is comfort food at its best. Loaded with crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s an easy dish everyone will love!
Ingredients:
● 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
● 6 strips of bacon (cut into small pieces; thick-cut works best)
● 8 oz (225g) mushrooms (sliced; button or cremini are great)
● 3 cloves garlic (minced)
● 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional but adds depth; substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
● 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
● 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional but adds a lovely warmth)
● Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
● Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
● Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
● Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
● Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
● Leave about 2 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet. (Tip: If there’s too much fat, drain some, but don’t wipe the skillet—it’s full of flavor!)
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
● In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt.
● Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden and have released their moisture.
4. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
● Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
● Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
● Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
● Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg (if using).
● Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.
6. Combine Everything:
● Toss the cooked pasta and bacon into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy goodness.
● Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
● Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
● Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Tips to Nail the Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
● Bacon Alternatives: Pancetta or smoked turkey bacon works well if you want a variation.
● Mushroom Upgrade: Add a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for more depth.
● Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less thick.
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