Description
Indulgent creamy bacon pasta blends Italian comfort with smoky bacon’s rich flavor. Crispy bacon, al dente pasta, and silky sauce combine for a meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer crisp bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, retaining rendered fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce butter and finely chopped garlic, allowing them to infuse together for 30-45 seconds without browning.
- Gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to reach a delicate simmer. Incorporate parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, carefully tossing to ensure complete coating. Utilize reserved pasta water to smoothly adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
- Crumble reserved bacon and fold into the pasta, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.
Notes
- Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Crisp bacon separately to control its texture and prevent soggy pieces, ensuring maximum crunchiness in every bite.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese, which can taste less vibrant and creamy.
- Consider low-fat alternatives like turkey bacon or Greek yogurt to make this dish lighter and more diet-friendly without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg