Name: Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1/2 pound bacon, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Bacon Spaghetti

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal? Look no further than creamy bacon spaghetti. This classic dish combines the savory richness of bacon with the velvety texture of a creamy sauce, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or indulgent weekend treat.

To create this delectable pasta, start by cooking your spaghetti according to package instructions. While the pasta boils, crisp up some bacon in a skillet and then sauté onions and garlic in the rendered fat. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer until thickened, transforming into a luscious base for the sauce.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness. Once the pasta is cooked, combine it with the creamy sauce, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley.

The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. The saltiness of the bacon perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta while it’s at its peak deliciousness.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a midweek indulgence, creamy bacon spaghetti is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone wanting seconds.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. The cooking time might vary slightly.

Can I substitute heavy cream?
While heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, you can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. However, the sauce might be thinner. You could also use a roux to thicken it.

What kind of bacon should I use?
Thick-cut bacon is often preferred for its crispiness, but regular bacon works well too.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can cook the pasta and sauce separately and reheat them together before serving. However, the pasta might become soggy.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
To avoid separation, make sure the pasta water you add is hot. Also, stir the sauce continuously while adding the pasta water.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can sauté some vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms with the onion and garlic.

What other cheeses can I use?
You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Can I add spices or herbs?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.

What you need to make Creamy Bacon Spaghetti:

1 pound spaghetti

1/2 pound bacon, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics: In the bacon fat remaining in the skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Tips:

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

You can also garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Latest Reviews:

This creamy bacon spaghetti is pure comfort food! The rich, cheesy sauce is perfectly balanced by the crispy bacon. So easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser. Definitely a new weeknight staple. Laura S.

I’ve made this recipe several times and it’s always a hit! The sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful. I love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Highly recommend! Fiona C.

This spaghetti is simply divine! The combination of bacon and Parmesan is unbeatable. I served it with a side salad for a lighter meal, but it’s hearty enough to stand alone. A must-try! Sally P.

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