Creamy Bacon Pasta
This creamy bacon pasta is a delightful dish featuring crispy bacon, a luscious cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It's simple to make yet packs a flavorful punch, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 4 serving plates
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 8 oz bacon, chopped Can substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons 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 in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and black pepper. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.