Creamy Bacon Pasta
This creamy bacon pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, it combines crispy bacon with a creamy sauce and pasta of your choice for a delightful treat.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Colander
- 1 Stirring spoon
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or your choice
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the drained pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine and ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon and cheese to suit your taste.
You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.