This Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort dish! 🍝 With crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the tagliatelle, every bite is an indulgent delight. Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic touch that elevates this classic pasta dish. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and the rich flavors will leave you craving more!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

• 2 oz bacon, cut into ½” pieces

• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms

• Kosher salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced

• 8 oz fresh or dried tagliatelle

• ¼ cup dry white wine

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer bacon to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high, add mushrooms, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Season with ¼ teaspoon salt, then transfer to the plate with the bacon.

3. Cook the Tagliatelle:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tagliatelle and cook until al dente (slightly chewy), reserving 1 ½ cups of pasta water.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add garlic and rosemary and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add wine and cook until it nearly evaporates (2-3 minutes).

5. Combine:

   • Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup of pasta water, cream, and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Stir in the bacon and mushrooms. Remove from heat, then mix in Parmesan cheese. Top with more Parmesan before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 400 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Sugar: 3g

• Fiber: 2g

A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

What makes Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms such a beloved dish is its combination of ingredients that pack a punch of flavor in every bite. The crispy bacon offers a salty, savory richness that infuses the pasta with its deep, meaty flavor. Bacon has a special way of transforming any dish it’s added to, and here, it serves as the star ingredient, providing a satisfying crunch and a rich depth that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

The mushrooms, with their earthy taste and meaty texture, complement the bacon beautifully. Mushrooms are naturally savory, and when they’re cooked until golden brown, they take on an even deeper, more concentrated flavor. Their texture also provides a contrast to the crispy bacon and the smooth pasta, giving the dish a variety of textures that make every bite interesting.

The combination of these ingredients with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich and satisfying pasta dish. The sauce clings perfectly to the tagliatelle, allowing every strand of pasta to be coated in a creamy, flavorful layer. Tagliatelle, with its broad, flat shape, is ideal for holding onto the sauce and provides a perfect base for the bacon and mushrooms.

An Aromatic Touch with Rosemary

One of the key elements that elevate this pasta dish is the use of fresh rosemary. Rosemary is an herb known for its aromatic, pine-like fragrance and slightly peppery, earthy flavor. It adds complexity to the dish and enhances the richness of the bacon and cream. The rosemary’s fragrance fills the air as it’s sautéed with garlic, creating an aromatic base that permeates the entire dish.

Herbs like rosemary are not only used for their flavor but also for their potential health benefits. Rosemary is known to have antioxidant properties and has been used traditionally for its ability to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. By adding this herb to the dish, you not only enhance the flavor but also introduce a subtle note of freshness that helps to balance the richness of the bacon and cream.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

What sets Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms apart is how quickly and easily it comes together. Despite its indulgent and rich flavors, this dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The recipe requires minimal prep—just chopping a few ingredients and cooking them in a single skillet—making cleanup easy too.

The cooking process itself is simple. First, you crisp the bacon and cook the mushrooms in the same skillet, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, you create a creamy sauce by combining the pasta water, wine, cream, and seasonings. The pasta water is a great addition here, as it helps to thicken the sauce and ensure that it sticks to the pasta. It also adds a touch of starchy richness that makes the sauce even creamier.

A Creamy, Velvety Sauce

The creamy sauce is what truly brings the whole dish together. It’s made from a blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of dry white wine. The wine adds a touch of acidity that helps cut through the richness of the cream and bacon, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. The Parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the cream and helps to thicken the sauce.

The sauce is gently simmered, allowing the flavors to meld while you toss the pasta into the pan. The pasta water that’s reserved earlier in the cooking process adds starch to the sauce, helping it coat the pasta evenly. As you mix the pasta with the creamy sauce, the tagliatelle becomes perfectly coated, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.

A Versatile and Satisfying Meal

Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms is a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served as part of a larger meal. It’s hearty enough to be the star of the show, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. The rich flavors of the bacon and creamy sauce provide comfort, while the mushrooms add depth and earthiness, creating a well-rounded meal.

The dish also pairs well with a variety of sides. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pasta and add a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are excellent choices for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. You can also serve the dish with steamed vegetables or a simple side of roasted potatoes to add more texture and variety to your meal.

If you’re looking to make it a more indulgent experience, adding a glass of white wine to the meal can complement the creamy sauce and enhance the flavors. A crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a creamy Chardonnay would pair beautifully with this dish.

Healthier Modifications

Although Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms is undeniably rich, there are ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. For a healthier twist, you can substitute whole wheat pasta for the traditional tagliatelle to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish. You can also use low-fat cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie content while still achieving a creamy consistency.

For those looking to make the dish more plant-based, you can replace the bacon with tempeh or mushroom bacon for a smoky, savory flavor. Vegan Parmesan can also be used to replace the cheese, and plant-based cream or coconut milk can be used as a substitute for the heavy cream, making the dish suitable for those on a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Perfect for Leftovers

Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms makes excellent leftovers. The flavors continue to develop as the dish sits, making it just as delicious the next day. The creamy sauce and bacon absorb into the pasta, making it even more flavorful after being stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the leftovers in a pan with a little extra cream or water to loosen up the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.

This dish is ideal for meal prep, and it can be made in advance for busy weeks. You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat it up and enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Indulgent Meal

In conclusion, Tagliatelle with Bacon and Mushrooms is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce in a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. The simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the tagliatelle, while the bacon and mushrooms provide depth and texture. With its quick preparation time and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.