Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Penne with Turkey Bacon and Camembert—a quick and easy pasta dish that feels effortlessly gourmet. Al dente penne is tossed in a luscious Camembert cheese sauce, infused with the smoky crunch of turkey bacon and a hint of garlic for depth. A splash of heavy cream creates a velvety texture, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Optional Parmesan garnishes elevate every bite, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Discover the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and light flavors with this satisfying pasta recipe.
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
Lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cut the Camembert cheese into small pieces (removing the rind if desired) and add it to the skillet along with the heavy cream. Stir gently until the cheese melts and combines with the cream to form a smooth sauce.
Season the sauce with black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta. Stir to combine.
Serve immediately. Optionally, top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Calories |
3674 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.6 g | 255% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.6 g | 433% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 632 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 8313 mg | 361% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 306.4 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 150.8 g | 302% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1507 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 21.0 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 2532 mg | 54% | |
*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.