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Bacon Pasta: A Delicious Delight Perfect for Any Occasion

A creamy, smoky bacon pasta dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic in bacon fat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to low, then pour in heavy cream, stirring gently.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Toss in the cooked pasta and crispy bacon. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add 1 tbsp butter to the sauce.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days (reheat with a splash of milk).

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