Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
This flavorful recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto, creating a rich and creamy pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion. I've enhanced a classic sun-dried tomato pesto by incorporating crunchy sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor. The dish can easily be customized using chorizo in place of bacon for a spicy twist. Serve this pasta dish as a comforting weeknight meal or impress guests at a dinner party with its gourmet taste and beautiful presentation.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
340 g (cooked according to package instructions)
bacon
4 slices (chopped)
mushroom
1/2 cup (sliced)
sunflower seeds
20 g (optional, for texture)
sun-dried tomatoes
240 g (packed in oil)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh basil leaves
1 cup (washed)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta's cooking liquid for later use.
2
While the pasta is cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces and heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon to the pan and fry gently until crispy, allowing the fat to render.
3
Once the bacon is crispy, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté them together until the mushrooms are softened and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (along with their oil), garlic cloves, and fresh basil leaves. Process until the mixture is finely chopped and well blended.
5
Transfer the blended sun-dried tomato pesto to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
6
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the bowl with the pesto, adding the sautéed bacon and mushrooms. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
7
Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking liquid, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8
Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for penne pasta, as its shape is excellent for catching the creamy sun-dried tomato pesto and bits of bacon.
How do I make the sun-dried tomato pesto?
Combine sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, garlic cloves, and fresh basil leaves in a food processor, then process until finely chopped and well blended.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by using chorizo instead of bacon for a spicier flavor profile.
Why should I reserve the pasta cooking liquid?
The reserved pasta water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it as creamy as you desire when combined with the pesto.
What do sunflower seeds add to the recipe?
Sunflower seeds are an optional addition that provides a unique crunchy texture and an earthy depth of flavor to the pesto.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 generous servings.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for sliced mushrooms; common button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work perfectly for this dish.
How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
Fry the chopped bacon gently over medium heat, allowing the fat to render out until the pieces become golden and crispy.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce?
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese is stirred directly into the blended sun-dried tomato mixture to create the final creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative or extra sautéed vegetables.
How much sun-dried tomato is required?
You will need 240 grams of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the pesto base.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the 4 garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the food processor with the tomatoes.
How should I cook the penne?
Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight firmness when bitten.
What is the best way to serve this pasta?
Serve the pasta immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a gourmet presentation.
Can I use dry basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides the best flavor for the pesto, you can use dried basil in a pinch, though the taste and color will differ.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms with the bacon until they are softened and have achieved a golden brown color.
What kind of oil is used in the pesto?
The recipe utilizes the oil that the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in, which is already infused with tomato flavor.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a preparation involving simple sautéing and food processing, it is an efficient and comforting weeknight meal.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
It is recommended to reserve 1 cup of the pasta's cooking liquid before draining the penne.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, cooking the pasta in salted water is generally recommended to season the noodles from the inside out.
Is the pesto smooth or chunky?
The pesto should be processed until it is finely chopped and well blended, resulting in a thick, spreadable sauce.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender can be used to create the pesto, though you may need to pulse it carefully to avoid over-processing.
How much Parmesan is used inside the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to be stirred into the sun-dried tomato pesto.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients: penne, bacon, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and Parmesan.
Is there a specific way to chop the bacon?
The bacon should be chopped into small pieces to ensure even distribution and quick crisping in the pan.
Can I add more garlic?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves, but you can adjust the garlic amount to suit your personal taste preferences.
How do I incorporate the cooking liquid?
Add the reserved water gradually, a little at a time, while tossing the pasta until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
What tags are associated with this dish?
This recipe is tagged as pasta, bacon, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, creamy, dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, and Italian cuisine.
Should the basil be washed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of washed fresh basil leaves for the pesto and garnish.
Is this dish considered gourmet?
While easy to make, its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it suitable for impressing guests at a dinner party.