Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Pasta 🍝🧄🍄🥓
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish, combining crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or portobello)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
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Cook the Bacon:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
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Sauté the Mushrooms:
- If there isn’t enough bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
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Add Garlic and Make the Sauce:
- Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
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Combine the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Add Bacon and Parmesan:
- Stir in the cooked bacon and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted into the sauce.
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Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the mushrooms, or try adding some tofu bacon or tempeh as a replacement.
- Mushrooms: You can mix different types of mushrooms (cremini, portobello, or shiitake) for more flavor depth.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Enjoy! 😋🍽️
