Print

Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Fettuccine

Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Fettuccine

Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Fettuccine is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine noodles enveloped in a velvety mushroom and Parmesan cream sauce, enhanced by smoky crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or special occasion, this quick and easy recipe delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures with simple, versatile ingredients.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Fettuccine pasta (about 12 oz)

Protein

  • Smoked bacon (6-8 slices)

Vegetables

  • Fresh mushrooms (Cremini or button mushrooms, 8 oz, sliced)
  • Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves, minced)
  • Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish)

Dairy

  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated)
  • Butter (2 tbsp)

Oils and Seasonings

  • Olive oil (1 tbsp)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving some bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and a splash of olive oil, then sauté the sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained fettuccine into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Add the crispy bacon pieces back in and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately for a comforting and elegant meal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure smooth integration.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm (al dente) to hold up well in the sauce.
  • Render bacon slowly over medium heat to develop maximum flavor and crispness.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling nicely to the noodles.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, bacon fettuccine, mushroom and bacon pasta, easy creamy fettuccine, comfort food pasta