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Creamy Bacon Pasta Recipe

This dish is a hit with everyone. Imagine the crispy bacon and smooth sauce blending with the pasta. It's easy to make, whether you're new to cooking or have lots of experience.

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water if needed for thinning
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or pasta strainer

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  5. Cook the Bacon
  6. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
  7. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
  8. Make the Sauce
  9. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  10. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
  11. Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  12. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  13. Combine Everything
  14. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the sauce, tossing to coat.
  15. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  16. Preparing the Perfect Pasta
  17. Start by picking a top-notch pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Boil a big pot of water and add a lot of salt. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then to stop sticking.