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A quick and indulgent pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon with a luxurious cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or preferred type)
- 6 strips smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: Peas, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or asparagus
- Garnish: Chopped parsley
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Preparation:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Bacon Cooking:
- Use a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.
- Aromatic Base:
- Sauté diced onion in bacon fat until soft (3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute.
- Sauce Creation:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Final Combination:
- Return crispy bacon to the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese melts into the sauce. Toss cooked pasta in the creamy bacon sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Optional Vegetable Addition:
- Stir in soft vegetables like spinach to wilt. Add pre-cooked firmer vegetables like broccoli.
- Serving:
- Divide into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
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Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish Pairings:
- Crisp green salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted green vegetables
- Wine Pairings:
- White Wines: Pinot Grigio, Soave, Gavi di Gavi
- Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Gamay, Montepulciano
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on stove. Tip: Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore sauce consistency
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Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon, use olive oil
- Protein Boost: Add chicken or shrimp
- Vegetable Options: Customize with your favorite vegetables
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for heat
A versatile pasta dish that combines comfort and flavor, perfect for any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Any long pasta works great. Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
- Swap bacon for mushrooms or vegetarian bacon alternative. Use vegetable cream for sauce.
- → Can I store leftovers?
- Best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate for 1-2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- → What can I serve with this pasta?
- A side salad or garlic bread works great. Light green salad balances the rich pasta.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Parmesan is best, but pecorino or romano can work as substitutes.