Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce recipe

Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a luxurious dish combining crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent.

Ingredients

• Dried or Fresh Pasta – The base of the dish; choose depending on hunger level.
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor.
• Olive Oil – Helps cook the bacon and vegetables.
• Streaky Bacon – Provides a savory, smoky flavor.
• Fresh Vegetables – Use your favorites; broccoli and courgettes work well.
• Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Cream – Creates the rich, velvety sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy flavor.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Adds a slight kick and balances the creaminess.

Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the instructions on the packet, but undercook it by one minute. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining and set both aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower the heat slightly and add your chopped vegetables to the pan, tossing them to coat in the drippings. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the cream and add the black pepper. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and let it melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything to coat, ensuring the pasta is fully covered in the sauce.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Finish

Return the crispy bacon to the pan and toss to combine. Let the dish gently bubble for 1-2 minutes, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a saucy consistency.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the bacon typically provides enough salt. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!

How to Serve

Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider adding a light white wine to complement the rich flavors.

Make Over

Make Ahead

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Storing

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers would work well in this dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the bacon with smoked tofu or omit it entirely and add more vegetables.

Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a quick and flavorful recipe that’s sure to satisfy. Its rich, creamy sauce combined with crispy bacon and fresh vegetables makes it a perfect comfort meal for any night of the week!

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