Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta
This creamy bacon mushroom pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon and savory mushrooms in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 colander for draining pasta
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked bacon, and reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if it appears dry.