Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience? Get ready to discover the most decadent, mouth-watering pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, velvety cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one irresistible recipe. This Creamy Pasta with Bacon isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, place bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Chop the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cream sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Fold in the chopped bacon pieces, ensuring they are distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy bacon pasta.
Tips
- Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor—thick-cut bacon works wonderfully and provides more crispy texture.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat to render out the fat evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoothness in the sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cream sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a minced garlic clove or a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the cream.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest and most delicious state.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
