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Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish combining smoky crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that coats your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this comforting meal is packed with balanced flavors and a velvety texture that will become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or preferred sturdy pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Begin by frying the chopped thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crisp but still tender. This process renders the bacon fat, which will be used to cook the mushrooms and infuse the sauce with smoky flavor.
  2. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Using the rendered bacon fat, sauté the sliced mushrooms in the pan until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Then add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant without burning.
  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let the mixture simmer on low heat to thicken slightly while absorbing the rich flavors from the mushrooms and bacon.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy mushroom and bacon mixture, tossing gently to coat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality thick-cut bacon for the best smoky flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms when sautéing; cook in batches if necessary to get a good golden brown.
  • Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Always grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and deeper flavor.
  • Add pasta to the sauce while both are hot to ensure the sauce coats the noodles perfectly.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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