Penne with Creamy Bacon Sauce
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Penne with Creamy Bacon Sauce, a comforting pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, crispy bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The savory combination of garlic and bacon fat creates a bold, flavorful base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this creamy bacon pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for feeding your family or impressing dinner guests. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a delicious Italian-inspired dish, this pasta recipe checks all the boxes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 200 grams bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 liter water
Instructions
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small pieces and finely chop the garlic cloves.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the bacon fat. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy bacon pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
752 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.9 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 132 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1070 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 30.0 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 313 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
