Rich Parmesan Bacon Dish (Print-Friendly Version)
This tasty dish has crispy bacon and a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s ready in half an hour. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner on any busy night.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
12 ounces (340g) of pasta, like spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne
02 -
2 tablespoons of butter
03 -
1 cup (100g) of Parmesan cheese, shredded
04 -
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
05 -
8 bacon slices, diced up
06 -
1/4 teaspoon optional chili flakes (only if you like some heat)
07 -
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
08 -
Salt to your preference
09 -
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken stock
11 -
1/4 cup (15g) parsley, chopped fresh (for topping)
# Steps:
01 -
Cook your pasta as the package says until it's firm to the bite. Save 1 cup of the water you cooked it in. Drain the rest and leave the pasta aside for now.
02 -
Put your bacon bits in a big pan on medium heat. Let them cook until crispy—takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, put the bacon on a plate with paper towels. Pour out most of the bacon grease, but keep 2 tablespoons in the pan.
03 -
Use the same pan and melt the butter in it. Toss in the garlic and sauté it for a minute or two till fragrant. Stir in the cream and chicken stock, mixing as you go. Let it simmer softly. Add Parmesan, black pepper, and chili flakes (if you like). Stir until everything combines into a creamy sauce.
04 -
Add the pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir well so everything gets coated. If the sauce looks too thick, pour in a little of the reserved pasta water until it's just right. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if it needs it.
05 -
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve while warm!
# Notes:
01 -
Extra flavor: Toss in some cooked spinach, peas, or mushrooms if you want more veggies.
02 -
Spicy option: Add more chili flakes or drizzle in some hot sauce.
03 -
Leftovers tip: Store in the fridge for 3 days in a sealed container. Heat gently on low when eating later.