Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Spaghetti is a rich and comforting dish that combines crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This restaurant-quality pasta is easy to make at home, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Discard excess bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add olive oil and butter, then sauté the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until they are golden and tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix well.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley and mix until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.