Description
Creamy Bacon Pasta
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
400 g (14 oz) rotini or your favorite pasta
Salt for boiling water
For the sauce:
6 slices of bacon, diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
For garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter to the bacon grease and let it melt.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Stir in half of the cooked bacon.
5. Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with the remaining bacon and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, start your salted pasta water boiling. While it heats, dice your bacon and begin cooking it in a large skillet. Once the pasta is cooking and the bacon is crisping, remove the bacon and reserve the grease. Use the same skillet to make your roux by melting butter into the grease, then whisking in flour for a full minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly stream in the milk while whisking vigorously to create a smooth base. Let it simmer and thicken before turning off the heat, then stir in the cheeses and seasonings until fully melted. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce and half the bacon, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. To elevate the presentation, serve family-style in a warm bowl with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta; crisp bacon and make a roux with the grease and butter; whisk in milk to create a béchamel; melt in cheeses for a creamy sauce; combine sauce, pasta, and half the bacon; garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack are excellent substitutes for cheddar. Always include a hard cheese like Parmesan for depth of flavor.
How can I make this dish less rich? Use low-fat milk and reduce the butter by half. You can also use less bacon or opt for a leaner variety like turkey bacon.
Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time? The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance. Reheat it gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it? Simply whisk in additional warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Is it necessary to reserve the bacon grease? While it adds immense flavor, you can drain it and use only butter if preferred. The roux will still form perfectly with just butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best creamy pasta. Do not rush the roux; cooking the flour for a full minute removes its raw taste. When adding milk, pour it in slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Do not add cheese to a boiling sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate and become grainy—remove the skillet from heat first. Finally, avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the hot sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky, salty bacon with a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring just a few key techniques for a restaurant-quality result. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common errors, you can create a reliably delicious and crowd-pleasing meal any night of the week. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of this classic dish.