Savory Mushroom-Bacon Spaghetti
Indulge in this rich and savory mushroom-bacon spaghetti dish that combines the earthy flavors of various mushrooms with the crispy, smoky essence of bacon. Tossed with garlic, capers, and fresh basil, this pasta is a delightful fusion of taste and texture that can stand alone as a pleasing main course or serve as a scrumptious side dish. Versatile and easy to prepare, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don't forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1/2 lb (dry pasta)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
bacon
2 ounces (diced)
mushrooms
2 cups (sliced (any combination))
capers
2 teaspoons (drained)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
hot pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by selecting your favorite mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or shiitake. Clean and slice them, setting them aside.
2
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti (or linguini) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Set aside.
3
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
4
4. Add the diced bacon to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally until the bacon is crispy and browned.
5
5. Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they are golden and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
6
6. Once the mushrooms are browned, pour in the remaining olive oil followed by the capers, minced garlic, salt, and hot pepper flakes.
7
7. Stir the mixture well and continue to cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and just slightly golden.
8
8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil, mixing it thoroughly with the bacon and mushroom mixture.
9
9. Finally, combine the mushroom-bacon mixture with the cooked pasta, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
10
10. Serve immediately, with generously grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mushroom-Bacon Spaghetti?
It is a rich and savory pasta dish that combines earthy mushrooms with crispy, smoky bacon, garlic, capers, and fresh basil.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using either spaghetti or linguini cooked until al dente.
Which types of mushrooms work best?
You can use any combination of mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or shiitake.
How much spaghetti is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of dry spaghetti.
How much bacon is used in the dish?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of diced bacon.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
Extra virgin olive oil is used, totaling 1/4 cup for the entire recipe.
How should the bacon be cooked?
The bacon should be cooked in olive oil over low heat until it is crispy and browned.
How long should I cook the mushrooms?
Mushrooms should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden and tender.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
You will need 2 cloves of minced garlic.
When do I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the garlic after the mushrooms have browned, along with the capers, salt, and hot pepper flakes.
How long should the garlic mixture cook?
Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
What role do capers play in this recipe?
Capers provide a tangy and salty flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon.
Is this spaghetti recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes, though you can adjust this to your taste.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil for the best flavor.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Stir in the fresh basil after removing the skillet from the heat so it stays vibrant.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it immediately with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, bacon, mushrooms, capers, garlic, salt, hot pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile enough to stand alone as a main course or be served as a scrumptious side dish.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
Clean and slice your favorite mushrooms before you begin cooking.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the recommended texture for this dish.
Should I drain the pasta after boiling?
Yes, drain the pasta well before transferring it to a large serving bowl to be tossed with the sauce.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta, mushrooms, bacon, one dish meal, easy dinner, comfort food, and italian cuisine.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
The recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil for its flavor profile and cooking properties.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Combine the mushroom-bacon mixture with the cooked pasta and toss gently to ensure even coating.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
How much hot pepper flakes are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to clean and slice your favorite mushrooms.
Can I add more mushrooms than the recipe suggests?
The recipe uses 2 cups of mushrooms, but you can adjust the quantity to your preference.
Is Parmesan cheese included in the main ingredient count?
No, Parmesan is mentioned as a serving suggestion to be added on the side.