Are you looking for a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to whip up? This creamy bacon and mushroom pasta is the perfect solution. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to warm you up on any day.
Why make this recipe
This creamy bacon and mushroom pasta is a delightful blend of savory ingredients that come together beautifully. The crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and the silky cream create a comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a hug in food form. It’s perfect for family dinners or a quick yet satisfying meal after a long day.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
How to make it
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil and bacon fat until they are browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the pasta and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together with Parmesan cheese, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to serve it
Serve this creamy bacon and mushroom pasta hot, preferably right after it’s made to enjoy its creamy texture. You can offer it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkling of extra Parmesan on top enhances the flavor beautifully!
How to store it
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Helpful tips
- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of mushrooms.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it helps to create a well-emulsified sauce.
Optional variations
- Consider adding spinach or kale for some extra greens.
- You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different take.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti and fettuccine work great, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or any other gluten-free grain. Adjust cooking times as needed according to the package instructions.
