Description
Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta is an indulgent yet simple dish combining crispy smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, rich meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients
- 250g fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti (your choice)
- 6–8 thick-cut bacon strips
- 200g fresh button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Flavorings & Seasonings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Add a splash of olive oil or butter to the same skillet with bacon fat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute to release its fragrant aroma.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy bacon and mushroom sauce. Mix in crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving warm.
Notes
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for the best crispness without burning.
- Use a damp cloth to clean mushrooms gently—avoid rinsing to prevent sogginess.
- Gradually add pasta water to balance sauce creaminess without thinning it out too much.
- Start cooking your sauce when pasta is halfway done to serve everything piping hot.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and smoother melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Creamy pasta, bacon pasta, mushroom pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy sauce, one-pan pasta
