Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of our Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti, inspired by Olive Garden's famous carbonara. This delightful one-dish meal combines tender spaghetti with savory bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and shallots, all enveloped in a luscious béchamel sauce. It's a comforting plate that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. Whip it up in a jiffy and serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Perfect for mushroom and pasta lovers alike, this dish is bound to impress everyone at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
shallots
5 tablespoons (finely minced)
olive oil
1/4 cup
bacon
24 slices (cooked & sliced into 1/2-inch strips)
spaghetti
2 lbs (cooked)
fresh parsley
2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
black pepper
(to taste)
salt
(to taste)
grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons
butter
6 tablespoons (for béchamel sauce)
all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (for béchamel sauce)
whole milk
3 cups
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced shallots, sautéing them until they are golden and fragrant, but not browned.
2
Stir in the cooked bacon strips, combining everything well before turning off the heat.
3
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Ensure the roux does not darken beyond a light blond color.
4
Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, which should be just before boiling. Remove from heat and keep warm.
5
Add the warm spaghetti to the skillet with mushrooms and bacon, then mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
6
Pour the warm béchamel sauce over the spaghetti mixture, adding black pepper, chopped parsley, and salt to taste. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
7
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti?
It is a rich and comforting pasta dish inspired by Olive Garden's carbonara, featuring savory bacon, sauteed mushrooms, and a luscious bechamel sauce.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The dish uses a homemade bechamel sauce made from a roux of butter and flour mixed with whole milk.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the famous carbonara served at Olive Garden.
How much bacon is required for this spaghetti?
You will need 24 slices of bacon, which should be cooked and sliced into 1/2-inch strips.
How many mushrooms are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick.
What type of pasta should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of cooked spaghetti.
How do I prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be finely minced before being sauteed with the mushrooms.
What is the first step in cooking the mushrooms and shallots?
Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat and saute the mushrooms and shallots until golden and fragrant.
Should I brown the mushrooms?
No, you should saute them until they are golden but not browned.
How do I make the roux for the bechamel sauce?
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a pot and whisk in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
What color should the roux be?
The roux should remain a light blond color and should not be allowed to darken.
When do I add the milk to the sauce?
Gradually pour in 3 cups of whole milk after the roux has cooked for 2 minutes, whisking continuously.
How long do I cook the milk mixture?
Whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, removing it from the heat just before it reaches a boil.
How do I combine the pasta with the ingredients?
Add the warm spaghetti to the skillet containing the mushrooms and bacon and mix thoroughly.
When is the bechamel sauce added to the dish?
Pour the warm bechamel sauce over the spaghetti mixture after the pasta has been mixed with the bacon and mushrooms.
What seasonings are added at the end?
Add black pepper, chopped parsley, and salt to taste once the sauce is poured over the pasta.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to be served on top.
How much fresh parsley is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a delightful one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
Whole milk is used to create the creamy bechamel sauce.
Can I add extra garnish to the dish?
Yes, you can top the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
How should I serve the Creamy Mushroom Bacon Spaghetti?
It should be served immediately while piping hot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
What kind of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
No, this dish contains 24 slices of bacon.
How thick should the mushrooms be sliced?
The mushrooms should be sliced approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Do I need to keep the bechamel sauce warm?
Yes, once the sauce thickens, remove it from heat but keep it warm until ready to pour over the pasta.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as a luscious and creamy bechamel.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting plate perfect for a cozy dinner.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, spaghetti, carbonara, one dish meal, creamy sauce, bacon, mushrooms, italian cuisine, and comfort food.