Creamy Bacon And Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Culinary magic happens when creamy bacon and mushroom pasta meets your kitchen creativity.

Wild mushrooms add an earthy depth that transforms simple ingredients.

Smoky bacon brings incredible richness to every delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special beyond ordinary recipes.

Salt and pepper become your flavor allies in this comforting dish.

Perfectly balanced textures will make you the star chef at home.

Come discover how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal that sparks joy.

Why People Love Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious pasta in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combines crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that delivers rich, mouthwatering taste in every single bite.
  • Versatile Dish with Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and can be easily customized with additional vegetables or proteins to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Creates a gourmet-style pasta dish that looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but is surprisingly simple to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: A tasty foundation for this creamy dish.
Protein:
  • Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds rich flavor.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty vegetable with deep flavor.
Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Smooth and rich base for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps create sauce depth.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

Herbs and Spices:
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend for classic flavor.
  • Garlic: Pungent and fragrant aromatic.
Liquid Seasonings:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor booster.
  • Dijon Mustard: Zesty and sharp condiment.
Thickening Agent:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create smooth sauce consistency.

Optional Garnishes:

Cheese and Herbs:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese topping.
  • Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh green herb for garnish.

Pantry Staples:

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste.

Make Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta in Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Get a large pot of water and add a generous sprinkle of salt.

Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package guidelines.

The pasta should have a slight bite when you taste it.

Step 2: Crisp Up Delicious Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until it turns wonderfully crispy.

Once done, transfer the golden-brown strips to a paper towel-lined plate.

Keep that flavorful bacon fat right in the pan – it’s liquid gold for cooking!

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Toss the mushrooms into the same skillet with the bacon fat.

Cook them, giving occasional stirs, until they release their moisture and become beautifully caramelized (about 5-6 minutes).

The mushrooms should look gorgeous and smell amazing.

Step 4: Garlic Burst

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and let it dance around for about 30 seconds.

The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Create Silky Sauce Base

Combine these ingredients in the skillet:
  • Broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Lemon juice
  • Flour
  • Dijon mustard

Stir everything together quickly and let it cook for just a minute – you want to build flavor without losing the sauce’s potential.

Step 6: Bring on the Cream

Pour in the cream and let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes.

Watch as it transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 7: Reunite Bacon and Mushrooms

Return the crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet.

Let everything heat through and mingle together for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Step 8: Final Toss and Serve

Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet.

Toss everything together so each strand gets coated in the creamy sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta

  • Cook bacon slowly over medium-high heat to ensure a crunchy texture without burning, providing maximum flavor for your pasta dish.
  • Pat mushrooms with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture, allowing them to brown beautifully and develop a rich, caramelized taste.
  • Use pasta water as a secret weapon to thin out thick sauce, creating a silky smooth texture that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
  • Reserve bacon fat in the pan to sauté mushrooms and garlic, infusing the entire dish with deep, savory undertones that elevate the overall taste.
  • If the cream sauce breaks or separates, whisk in a small amount of cold butter to help stabilize and restore its creamy consistency.

Save and Reheat Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces if possible, as they may separate.
  • Warm gently in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
  • If sauce appears separated or thick after refrigeration, whisk in a little warm broth or cream while reheating to restore original consistency and flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta

  • Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this creamy bacon and mushroom pasta with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the richness and complements the earthy mushroom notes.
  • Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which offers bright acidity to balance the dish's creamy texture and salty bacon.
  • Texture Contrast: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the heavy, rich pasta sauce.
  • Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the luxurious sauce and add a delightful crunchy element to the meal.

Variants for Creamy Bacon Mushroom Pasta

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or smoked tofu strips for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the savory flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce without compromising texture.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized butternut squash or cauliflower rice, and use heavy cream with extra mushrooms to keep the dish rich and satisfying.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheese-like flavor without dairy ingredients.

FAQs

  • What makes this pasta sauce creamy?

The sauce gets its creamy texture from heavy cream, which creates a rich and smooth base when simmered with broth, flour, and mustard. The combination creates a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon with pancetta, turkey bacon, or even Canadian bacon. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, but will still work well with the mushrooms and cream sauce.

  • How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?

Cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat and let them release their water naturally. Stir occasionally and allow the moisture to evaporate, which helps them develop a nice golden color and prevents a watery sauce.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and bacon ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat to maintain the best texture and flavor.

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Creamy Bacon And Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Creamy Bacon And Mushroom Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory creamy bacon and mushroom pasta delivers Italian-inspired comfort with smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms. Silky sauce and perfectly cooked noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta (bucatini)
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cremini mushrooms
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon flour
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath for the pasta, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm.
  2. Render bacon in a hot skillet, transforming it into golden, crisp morsels. Transfer the crunchy bits to a paper towel, reserving the flavorful drippings.
  3. Sauté mushrooms in the bacon-infused pan, allowing them to release and evaporate their natural moisture, developing deep caramelized notes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the mushroom landscape, briefly toasting to unlock its aromatic potential.
  5. Temporarily relocate the mushrooms alongside the bacon, clearing the skillet for sauce preparation.
  6. Combine broth, Italian seasoning, zesty lemon juice, flour, and Dijon mustard, whisking into a quick, harmonious blend.
  7. Pour cream into the pan, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and slowly thicken.
  8. Reunite the reserved bacon and mushrooms with the developing sauce, letting flavors meld and intensify.
  9. Drain the pasta, then cascade it into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand with the luxurious sauce.
  10. Fine-tune the consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, and garnish with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Crisp bacon to golden perfection by cooking slowly, allowing fat to render without burning for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, earthier taste that complements the bacon’s richness.
  • Control sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth coating without becoming too thick or thin.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or almond flour, maintaining the creamy sauce’s integrity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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