Best Way to Make Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta
Introduction
Pasta nights never disappoint, especially when the dish is loaded with creamy flavors, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something indulgent but easy. The creamy sauce hugs every strand of pasta, while bacon adds a salty crunch, and mushrooms bring depth and heartiness. The best part? You don’t need hours to put this together. With a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this dish can be your new favorite go-to dinner.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table that lists the required ingredients along with their approximate calorie count per serving to help you balance taste with nutrition.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine) | 8 oz | 300 |
| Thick-cut bacon | 6 slices, chopped | 270 |
| Mushrooms (cremini or white) | 2 cups, sliced | 30 |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | 12 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup, grated | 330 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | 200 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | 5 |
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Crisp the bacon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until golden and crispy. Remove bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. - Sauté the mushrooms and garlic:
In the same skillet with some bacon fat, add butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Make it creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and thick. - Combine pasta and sauce:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. If needed, pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything gently. - Add bacon back in:
Stir the crispy bacon into the creamy pasta. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Creamy bacon mushroom pasta is flexible and forgiving. You can tweak it in several ways based on what’s in your pantry or what flavor profile you prefer. For a smoky twist, try pancetta instead of bacon. Want to keep it light? Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk, though the texture will change slightly.
If you’re avoiding gluten, use rice pasta or chickpea pasta. To add more greens, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking. And if spice is your thing, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat.
Nutritional Information
This dish delivers both comfort and calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. A single serving (about 1½ cups) contains approximately:
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
To make it more balanced, pair with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy bacon mushroom pasta is satisfying on its own, but serving it with warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables makes it a complete meal. A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.
You can also garnish it with freshly cracked pepper, shaved Parmesan, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that pop of freshness and color.
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Conclusion
Creamy bacon mushroom pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Every bite is loaded with rich flavor, from the smoky bacon to the earthy mushrooms and cheesy cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or dinner guests, this pasta recipe delivers both taste and comfort. Try it once, and it will earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation.