Description
This Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta is the perfect comfort food—rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Made with crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, this one-pan pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress. Serve it with a side of salad or garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used bucatini)
- 6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For serving: freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley optional
Instructions
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Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.
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Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy over medium-high heat. When it’s done, transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
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Add the mushrooms to the skillet, and cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes or until they release water and it’s been cooked off.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Take the mushrooms out of the pan (add them to the same plate that has the bacon).
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Add the broth, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, flour, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Give it a good stir (only let it cook for about a minute max or it’ll all cook off).
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Add in the cream and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
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Add the mushrooms and bacon back to the skillet. Let it heat through/cook for a few more minutes until it’s slightly thickened, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet and toss. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. If the sauce gets a tad too thick, add in a splash of the hot pasta water prior to draining it.
Notes
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Pasta Type: Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne work best, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
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Mushroom Options: Cremini or button mushrooms are classic, but wild mushrooms or portobellos can elevate the dish.
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Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter take.
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Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the bacon and add caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free option.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
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Customization: Add spinach, peas, grilled chicken, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to personalize the flavor.