Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Fettuccine
Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Fettuccine is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender mushrooms and crispy bacon in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This quick and easy meal blends smoky, earthy, and velvety flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian option available; can be made gluten-free with pasta substitute
Pasta
- Fettuccine pasta – 12 oz (340 g)
Vegetables
- Fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced – 8 oz (225 g)
- Garlic cloves, minced – 2
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – 2 tbsp
Meats
Dairy
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – 1/2 cup (50 g)
Fats & Oils
- Olive oil or butter – 1 tbsp
Seasonings
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the bacon and mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble them. Using the bacon fat, sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and their moisture has evaporated, which intensifies their flavor.
- Make the cream sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the mushrooms. Allow it to simmer gently, thickening the sauce slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy mushroom and bacon fettuccine while hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for color and brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture and flavor compared to canned or dried versions.
- Cook bacon thoroughly until crisp to avoid sogginess.
- Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling or separation.
- Reserve pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a silky consistency.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for the best creamy richness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, bacon fettuccine, easy pasta recipe, creamy mushroom sauce, comfort food pasta