This Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a rich, flavorful sauce that can be made in just 15 minutes! With crispy bacon, fresh vegetables (like broccoli and courgettes), and a smooth creamy sauce made with Parmesan and black pepper, this dish is a great weeknight meal. The sauce is versatile and can be customized with any vegetables you have on hand, making it a quick and easy recipe for busy nights.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 200-240g dried pasta (or 300-350g fresh pasta)

• 15g butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4-5 rashers streaky bacon, chopped into small pieces

• 3 cups fresh vegetables (e.g., broccoli, courgettes)

• 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• ¾ cup cream

• 70g Parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water according to the package instructions, but undercook it by one minute to finish cooking in the sauce. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Fry the Bacon:
   In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
   Lower the heat slightly and add the vegetables to the skillet, tossing to coat in the bacon fat. Add the garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the cream and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir in the cooked bacon and toss everything together.

6. Serve:
   Let the pasta bubble for a minute or two to thicken the sauce. Season to taste and serve with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Potassium: 400mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 3g

This creamy bacon pasta sauce is a quick, rich dish that will satisfy any craving for comfort food, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences with different veggies or pasta.

The Creamy Sauce: Rich and Flavorful

At the heart of this dish is the creamy sauce, which is made by combining cream, Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. The cream provides a luxurious base that coats the pasta in a velvety texture, while the Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. The black pepper gives the sauce a subtle kick, balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese.

As the sauce simmers, the Parmesan melts seamlessly into the cream, thickening the sauce and creating a smooth, indulgent coating for the pasta. This simple yet flavorful combination creates a satisfying base that brings all the other ingredients together.

Bacon: The Crispy, Savory Hero

Crispy bacon is the star of this dish, adding both crunch and a smoky, savory flavor that elevates the creamy sauce. Streaky bacon is chopped into small pieces and fried until crispy, releasing its fat, which is then used to sauté the vegetables. This step infuses the vegetables with the bacon’s rich flavor, creating a depth that enhances the overall dish. The crispy bacon pieces are added back into the sauce just before serving, providing that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy sauce.

Bacon is not only a flavor booster but also provides protein, making this dish a complete meal that is sure to satisfy any hunger. You can adjust the amount of bacon based on your preference, but the smoky, crispy bits are essential for creating that comforting flavor.

Vegetables: Freshness and Texture

This dish also includes fresh vegetables, such as broccoli and courgettes (zucchini), which add freshness, color, and texture to the dish. The vegetables are sautéed in the rendered bacon fat, soaking up all the savory flavors before the cream and Parmesan are added. The broccoli adds a slight crunch and earthiness, while the courgettes contribute a soft, tender texture that complements the creamy sauce.

You can customize the vegetables depending on what you have available in your kitchen. Bell peppers, spinach, peas, or even mushrooms can be swapped in for a variety of flavors and textures. The vegetables not only add nutritional value but also balance out the richness of the bacon and cream, making the dish more well-rounded.

The Cooking Process: Quick and Simple

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quickly and easily it comes together. The pasta is cooked according to the package instructions, but you should undercook it by about one minute, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. This method ensures that the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce, creating a more flavorful dish.

While the pasta cooks, the bacon is fried in a combination of butter and olive oil, rendering out the fat and crisping the bacon. Once crispy, the bacon is removed, and the vegetables are sautéed in the bacon fat, adding layers of flavor. The garlic is then added for an extra aromatic kick, followed by the cream, black pepper, and Parmesan to create the creamy sauce. The cooked pasta is tossed in the sauce, and the crispy bacon is added back in, making for a dish that is full of savory goodness.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it’s added directly to the skillet with the creamy bacon sauce. A splash of pasta water is added as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta and create a silky finish. The pasta is tossed to ensure that each piece is well-coated in the creamy sauce, and the crispy bacon is mixed through for that perfect crunch in every bite.

Allow the pasta to bubble in the sauce for a minute or two, which helps thicken the sauce and makes it adhere to the pasta. The result is a dish with a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors, topped with just the right amount of crunch from the bacon.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with additional sides to make it even more satisfying. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta, providing a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also great for soaking up any extra sauce.

If you want to elevate the dish even further, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a burst of flavor and color to the plate. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving will also enhance the dish’s flavor, giving it a final touch of aromatic spice.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful Comfort Food

In conclusion, Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a rich, indulgent dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food. The crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce work together to create a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a meatless main or pair it with your favorite protein, this versatile recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Customizable and packed with savory goodness, Creamy Bacon Pasta Sauce is a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.