I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly blends the smoky crispness of bacon with the rich creaminess of Parmesan and mushrooms, creating an indulgent flavor bomb. Plus, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a homemade meal that feels equal parts sophisticated and comforting, all while being super easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight!
I enjoy making pasta recipes that are creamy, and my Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti is a sublime option. Not only do I love the combination of hearty cremini mushrooms and savory bacon, but I also relish the way these flavors marry with the silkiness of spaghetti.
And when it’s all said and done, the richness of the sauce that results from a blend of olive oil, butter, garlic, heavy cream, and a bit of the starchy pasta cooking water is just rooooll-gggged in there. And I like to think of this as a wonderful contrast-y dish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti is a classic pasta that provides energy-giving carbohydrates and makes a comforting base.
Bacon: Contributes a richness that is high in protein and a texture that is smoky, crispy, and umami.
Countless people are bacon worshippers.
It could be said that bacon is the new black.
Where the previous paragraph described the transformation of what was once a cornucopia of delicious ingredients into something practically inedible, this next one speaks to one of the few pluses for which the time in the Evidence Factory could be remembered.
Bacon, by virtue of its three major qualities—richness, flavor, and texture—instantly Fortifies any dish.
Cremini mushrooms: They have an earthy taste and are a good source of B-vitamins and antioxidants.
Extra virgin olive oil has beneficial monounsaturated fats that have positive effects on your heart.
They lower your bad cholesterol levels, raise your good cholesterol levels, and lower triglycerides, which are fats that are found in your blood.
Olive oil is a highly recommended fat source for a heart-healthy diet.
Parmesan: Meets all federal standards for being labeled a cheese.
Presents a nutty, creamy, and salty flavor profile.
Is a good source of calcium and protein.
Garlic is a powerfully pungent spice that has immune-boosting properties.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the spaghetti as per package directions in a big pot of salted, bubbling water, timed to achieve an al dente result. Pour into a colander to drain, and then put the pasta back into the pot, off the heat. Pour in 1 cup of pasta water to keep the spaghetti moist.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon that has been chopped until it is crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Using the same skillet, place olive oil and butter. After the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them until they are tender and browned, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, minced, to the mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until a bit thickened.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the creamy sauce in the skillet to coat the pasta evenly.
9. Stir in the crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley, and mix well with the spaghetti and mushrooms.
10. Present without delay, adorned with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if you prefer. Enjoy your spaghetti with creamy mushroom and bacon!
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large skillet
4. Slotted spoon
5. Plate lined with paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Yes, any of your favorite pastas can take the place of spaghetti. Penne or fettuccine would work great.
- Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?A: You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
- Q: How do I make it vegetarian?A: Omit the bacon and use a smoked salt or smoked paprika to add a similar depth of flavor.
- Q: What can I use instead of cremini mushrooms?Button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms are good substitutes.
- Q: How can I store leftovers?A: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. Heat very gently, on the stovetop.
- Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?Using freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for optimal flavor, but using pre-grated can be done in a rush.
- Q: Is there a recommended wine pairing?A light white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Spaghetti: Use linguine, fettuccine, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb substitute.
Bacon: Alternatives can include prosciutto, pancetta, or turkey bacon.
Canola oil or avocado oil can replace olive oil.
Cremini mushrooms: Substitute with white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
Replace with half-and-half or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option.
Pro Tips
1. Save the Pasta Water: When draining the spaghetti, save more than 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be a lifesaver for adjusting the sauce consistency later, especially if it thickens too much.
2. Bacon Fat Utilization: After cooking the bacon, consider using a bit of the rendered bacon fat along with the olive oil for sautéing the mushrooms. This adds extra flavor depth to the dish.
3. Mushroom Browning: To ensure the mushrooms brown properly, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, sauté them in batches to prevent steaming and ensure they develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
4. Infuse the Garlic: When adding the minced garlic, don’t rush this step. Allow it to sauté just enough to release its aroma, which will infuse the entire dish with a rich garlic flavor without burning.
5. Adjust Seasoning Last: Before serving, taste the finalized dish and adjust seasoning as needed. The combination of bacon, parmesan, and reserved pasta water can affect the salt level, so it’s best to check just before serving.
Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti Recipe
My favorite Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large skillet
4. Slotted spoon
5. Plate lined with paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Prepare the spaghetti as per package directions in a big pot of salted, bubbling water, timed to achieve an al dente result. Pour into a colander to drain, and then put the pasta back into the pot, off the heat. Pour in 1 cup of pasta water to keep the spaghetti moist.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon that has been chopped until it is crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Using the same skillet, place olive oil and butter. After the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them until they are tender and browned, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, minced, to the mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until a bit thickened.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the creamy sauce in the skillet to coat the pasta evenly.
9. Stir in the crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley, and mix well with the spaghetti and mushrooms.
10. Present without delay, adorned with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if you prefer. Enjoy your spaghetti with creamy mushroom and bacon!
