Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta Delight (Rich, Savory, and Irresistible)
Ingredients:
12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Crisp the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
Sauté the Mushrooms:
Add butter to the same skillet (if using). Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they become golden and tender.
Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, then add black pepper, Italian seasoning (if using), and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips:
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or keep it vegetarian by skipping it.
Add spinach for a fresh, vibrant twist.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish!
