What are some comfort food recipes? If you love carbonara but sometimes want something a little quicker and easier, this is *it*. Seriously, it’s a total weeknight lifesaver and tastes like you spent way longer than you actually did. I honestly think it rivals my grandmother’s famous baked ziti (and that’s saying something).
What is Bacon Pasta?
What is a bowl of pasta coated in a creamy sauce studded with crispy bacon? What is the beauty of this **bacon pasta recipe**? This one strikes the perfect balance, in my humble opinion. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it always hits the spot. My kids actually cheer when they see it on the menu – and trust me, getting them to agree on dinner is a minor miracle!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First, the flavor. The smoky, salty bacon combined with the creamy sauce is pure bliss. What I love about this **bacon pasta recipe** is its simplicity. What are some of the easiest meals to prepare for a busy weeknight? Is it easier than ordering takeout? A little bacon goes a long way, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. What is the difference between cacio e pepe and bacon? What are some ways to spice it up with red pepper flakes? I’ve even been known to throw in leftover grilled chicken sometimes – don’t judge! This is a recipe that truly works with whatever you have in the fridge.
How do I make Bacon Pasta?
Quick Overview
Alright, so basically we’re going to cook bacon until it’s crispy, whip up a creamy sauce with a few simple ingredients, cook your favorite pasta, and then toss it all together. What’s a good meal to make when you’re staring at the fridge and wondering what to make? Don’t be intimidated by the “creamy sauce” part – it’s surprisingly easy and doesn’t involve any complicated steps. The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up! I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Bacon:
* 8 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces. I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor, but any kind will work! Just make sure it’s good quality bacon – it makes a difference. I usually grab mine from the butcher shop.
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape). Honestly, any pasta works! I usually use spaghetti because that’s what I have on hand. * Pasta water, reserved from cooking the pasta. Don’t skip this! It’s the secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy.
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. Just a little bit to help the garlic sizzle. * 2 cloves garlic, minced. I’m a garlic lover, so I sometimes add even more! * 1 cup heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream. I’ve tried it with cashew cream before when I was feeling fancy (it worked surprisingly well! ). * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving. Freshly grated is always best! * 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground is a must! * Salt, to taste. Be careful with the salt, since the bacon is already salty. * Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, for a little kick.
How do I follow the step by
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, place bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn the bacon! Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet – that’s where all the flavor is!
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. How do you cook garlic in a sauce?
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. What are the flavors that meld together to create a creamy texture?
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. How do you make a creamy sauce?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bacon
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and cooked bacon. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now.
Step 7: Serve
I like to top this with a few extra crispy bacon pieces. I like to serve it hot!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good pasta recipe for a complete meal?
For a Light Lunch:A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette would be perfect. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta.
What is a hearty dinner?What’s a good side dish to serve with some Crusty Bread?
For a Special Occasion:Pair it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A fancy dessert, like chocolate lava cake, would be the perfect ending to the meal. My family loves pasta with garlic bread. They can’t get enough!
What are some tips for perfecting Bacon Pasta?
What are some extra tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to make my Bacon Pasta recipe truly *amazing*?
Bacon Prep:Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking bacon. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure that it gets nice and crispy. If you’re using thick-cut bacon, you may need to cook it for a few extra minutes.
Pasta Water is Key: Don’t skip the pasta water! It’s the secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy. The starch in the pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and create a velvety texture.
Cheese Matters:How do you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and result in a grainy sauce.
Creamy Sauce:How do you cook Cream Sauce over low heat?
Pasta Choice:I find that long, thin pasta works best for this recipe. The sauce clings to the pasta better, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving.
Extra Toppings:What can you add to a dish? Chopped parsley, green onions, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What is the best way to make Bacon Pasta?
Refrigerator Storage: What is theIf you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the pasta, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick. I find that reheating it in the microwave dries it out a bit, so the stovetop is my preferred method.
Freezing:I don’t recommend freezing this pasta, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. What should I do if I want to reheat it in the refrigerator overnight?
Don’t Overheat:When reheating pasta, be careful not to overheat as this can cause the sauce to separate and become oily.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What’s your go-to pasta recipe for a busy weeknight? Is this one of those recipes that you know you’ll make again and again? What are some of my favorite Pasta Recipes? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Bacon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 slices bacon diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the bacon and garlic mixture. Add grated parmesan and black pepper, and mix well.
