Bacon Pasta is a simple yet delectable dish that never fails to satisfy your taste buds. The combination of crispy bacon and al dente pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce is irresistible. In this blog, I'll be sharing my recipe for Bacon Pasta which is easy to make and packed with flavor.
The first time I made Bacon Pasta, I was feeling adventurous in the kitchen and decided to try something new. As I chopped the bacon and minced the garlic, the aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.
When I mixed the al dente pasta with the creamy sauce and crispy bacon, I knew I had a winner. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the texture was just right. It was so good that I couldn't resist having seconds, and I even saved some leftovers for lunch the next day.
From that day on, Bacon Pasta became a staple in my dinner rotation. Whenever I have guests over or want to treat myself to a special meal, it's always at the top of my list. It's amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne o fusilli)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How To Make It:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, fry the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until the pasta is coated evenly.
- Add the crispy bacon to the pan and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How To Store It:
If you have leftovers, you can store Bacon Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How To Reheat:
To reheat Bacon Pasta, you can microwave it or heat it up on the stove. If microwaving, place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat it for 1-2 minutes. If heating it up on the stove, add a splash of milk or cream to the pan and heat it up on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Tips To Make It More Delicious:
- Use good quality bacon to add more flavor to the dish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a little kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne or fusilli work well for this recipe.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon if you prefer a healthier option.
Can I freeze Bacon Pasta?
It's not recommended to freeze Bacon Pasta as the cream sauce may separate when reheated.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even Cheddar, but the taste and texture of the dish may vary.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk to make the sauce lighter, but the texture won't be as thick and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove and mix it with the cooked pasta before serving.
Conclusion:
Bacon Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends. With this easy recipe, you can make it at home and enjoy it anytime. The combination of crispy bacon and creamy sauce is sure to impress your taste buds.
Bacon Pasta
Ingredients
Seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne, optional
Pasta
- 5 slices bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 pinch Red pepper Flakes
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon slowly over low heat until crispy on each side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon drippings. Remove any black flecks from pan, but leave the brown remnants on the bottom as this will add great flavor to the sauce.
- Add reserved bacon drippings to the pan along with the garlic over medium heat.
- Add a splash of chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pan. Continue to add small splashes of broth while the garlic cooks for 1-2 minutes.
- Once the bottom and sides of the pan are clean, you’ll be left with a brown liquid full of flavor. Add any remaining chicken broth along with the tomato paste, seasonings, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and room temperature cream cheese. Stir to combine the cream cheese into the sauce. Cover partially and let it bubble slightly while you begin boiling salted pasta water. The tomatoes will eventually split.
- Taste the sauce and season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than instructed on package. Once the pasta is nearly finished, reduce heat on the sauce to low. Gradually sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. If the base is too hot when you do this, the dairy will separate and you’ll have a grainy consistency so be sure to let the heat reduce to low.
- Use kitchen tongs to add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine until desired sauce/pasta ratio is obtained. Allow it to cook for 1 minute more to allow the sauce to thicken further and for the pasta to absorb it.
- The sauce will continue to thicken further upon standing. Garnish with chopped bacon and fresh parsley and serve with Garlic Bread with Cheese.
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