Description
Indulgent bacon and cream merge perfectly in this classic Creamy Bacon Pasta, promising comfort with each delectable bite. Rich Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, offering you a simple yet luxurious meal that satisfies deep culinary cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 6 strips bacon
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge spaghetti or linguine, cooking until perfectly al dente. Extract 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside for later use.
- Position a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce chopped bacon, rendering until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, preserving the flavorful rendered fat in the skillet.
- Introduce minced garlic directly into the bacon fat. Sauté briefly, approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Reduce skillet temperature to low. Stream heavy cream into the pan, creating a smooth base. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan, whisking until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Reintroduce cooked pasta into the skillet, coating thoroughly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, adjusting until achieving the ideal silky texture.
- Fold in crispy bacon pieces, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as necessary, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, allowing the rich, creamy sauce and crisp bacon to tantalize your palate.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Always save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly textured sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
- Bacon Crispiness Control: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even, crispy texture without burning, which can make it bitter and unpleasant.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping, creating a smoother, more integrated creamy sauce.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free versions, use turkey bacon for lower fat content, or substitute cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg