Bacon-Flecked Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Indulge in this luxurious Bacon-Flecked Creamy Bowtie Pasta that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, fresh mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made from whipping cream and parmesan cheese. This dish is a delightful surprise that marries unexpected ingredients into a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe draws on the love and creativity of home cooking, passed down from my mom. You'll find yourself savoring each bite and wanting to share it with friends and loved ones. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this pasta can easily be stretched to serve 6-10 hungry diners.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
bacon
1 pound (cooked and crumbled)
bacon grease
2 tablespoons (reserved from frying bacon)
mushroom
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
whipping cream
2 cups (not whipped)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
green onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, allowing it to drain on paper towels, and crumble it into small pieces once cool.
3
Carefully drain most of the bacon grease, reserving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
4
In the reserved bacon grease, sauté the chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, and sliced green onions until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, grated parmesan cheese, whipping cream, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and creamy.
7
Serve hot and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bacon-Flecked Creamy Bowtie Pasta?
It is a luxurious pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, fresh mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made from whipping cream and parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked bow tie pasta.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 1 pound of bacon, which is cooked and then crumbled.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while bow tie pasta is recommended, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne or rotini.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd and can easily serve between 6 to 10 hungry diners.
What ingredients are used for the sauce?
The sauce is made using reserved bacon grease, whipping cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
Do I need to whip the cream?
No, the 2 cups of whipping cream should be used in its liquid form, not whipped.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1/2 cup of sliced green onions.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What should I do with the bacon grease?
You should reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan to sauté the vegetables.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms and garlic?
Sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and green onions for about 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
How much black pepper is required?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper to season the dish.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a straightforward recipe that uses simple techniques like boiling pasta and sautéing.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
How is the bacon prepared?
The bacon is cooked over medium heat until crispy, drained on paper towels, and then crumbled into small pieces.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, the ingredients can be scaled up to serve a larger group if your pan is big enough.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a family recipe passed down from the creator's mother, reflecting the creativity of home cooking.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly, vegetables like peas or spinach would make great additions to this creamy pasta.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, the mild, creamy flavor and familiar ingredients like bacon and pasta make it a hit with children.
What is the serving size?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, the total recipe makes enough for 6-10 people.
When do I add the cooked pasta to the pan?
Add the cooked pasta to the pan after sautéing the mushrooms, garlic, and onions.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic; 2 cloves is approximately 1 teaspoon.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Standard white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work very well in this recipe.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding to the pan?
Yes, the bow tie pasta must be cooked and drained according to package instructions before joining the other ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not spicy, though it has a savory kick from the garlic and black pepper.
Can I use half-and-half instead of whipping cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich than if you used whipping cream.
What temperature should I cook the bacon at?
The bacon should be cooked over medium heat to ensure it gets crispy without burning.
Should this be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served hot while the sauce is at its creamiest texture.