Creamy Turkey Bacon Garlic Pasta
Indulge in a rich, comforting pasta dish that features crispy smoked turkey bacon tossed in a velvety, Parmesan-infused garlic cream sauce. This recipe uses the rendered fat from the bacon to sauté aromatics, creating a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and refined. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the secret lies in emulsifying the sauce with starchy pasta water to ensure every strand of spaghetti is perfectly coated in creamy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 pound smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook chopped turkey bacon until dark and crispy.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
- In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, thinning with reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in the crispy turkey bacon and fresh parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Reserve the pasta water as it is the key to creating a cohesive sauce that clings to the noodles. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. You can replace parsley with fresh basil for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 22gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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