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Merry

Creamy Garlic Bacon Pasta – The Ultimate Weeknight Meal!

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Creamy Bacon Pasta! This easy-to-make dish features crispy bacon, tender pasta, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
For the Bacon and Sauce:
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • ½ cup crispy bacon bits reserved from cooking
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Cook the Bacon:
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
  1. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything:
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  2. Stir in the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, and extra Parmesan cheese.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, smoky goodness!

Notes

    • For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
    • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
    • Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
 

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