This Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Made with crispy bacon, creamy Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of the salty bacon and savory Parmesan creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Serve it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade pasta dish on the table. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers make for a great lunch the next day. Just reheat and enjoy!
Ingredients
The Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe requires only a few simple and flavorful ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The penne pasta serves as the base for this dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. The bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor, while the onion and garlic contribute a subtle depth of taste. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a creamy and rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The dried thyme adds a hint of aromatic freshness, while salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is sure to please everyone.
Preparation Steps
Preparing Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta involves several easy steps. Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Boil the penne pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add salt to the boiling water.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the bacon:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook them until crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Add flour to the pan and stir it into the butter until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce.
These are the essential steps to follow for preparing the delicious Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta. By following these instructions, you will have a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish to enjoy.
## Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta
Here are some valuable tips from professional chefs to ensure that your Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta turns out perfect:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Opt for thick-cut, high-quality bacon and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful dish.
- Cook the bacon properly: To achieve crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Make sure to drain the excess grease on paper towels to prevent your pasta from becoming oily.
- Season the pasta water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before cooking the penne pasta to enhance its flavor. The pasta absorbs the salt during cooking, resulting in a more delicious dish.
- Save some pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. The starch in the water also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Add the Parmesan at the right time: Instead of adding all the Parmesan cheese directly to the sauce, save some to sprinkle on the pasta before serving. This adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chopped parsley or basil can be sprinkled over the pasta before serving to add a pop of freshness and enhance the overall presentation.
With these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a delectable Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta that will impress your friends and family!
Reviews
I recently tried the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The combination of the crispy bacon and the rich Parmesan cheese created a mouthwatering flavor that left me craving for more. The penne pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, adding a nice texture to the dish.
One of the things I loved about this recipe was how easy it was to prepare. The recipe provided clear and concise instructions, making it simple to follow even for someone with limited cooking skills like me. It took me only a short amount of time to cook the bacon, boil the pasta, and mix everything together. The result was a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta is a great dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. The flavors are bold but not overpowering, making it a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe. It is a quick and easy dish with incredible flavors that will leave you wanting more. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of crispy bacon and rich Parmesan cheese created a savory and flavorful dish that was a true delight to the taste buds.
The recipe was very easy to follow and the ingredients were simple and easy to find. I loved how the bacon added a smoky and salty flavor to the dish, while the Parmesan cheese added a creamy and tangy element. The penne pasta provided a perfect base, as it absorbed the flavors of the bacon and cheese, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this recipe was the balance of flavors. The bacon and Parmesan cheese were not overpowering, but rather complemented each other perfectly. The dish had a delicious depth of flavor and every bite was a delicious combination of creamy pasta, crispy bacon, and tangy cheese.
I would highly recommend the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta to anyone who enjoys a flavorful and comforting meal. It is a great option for a quick and easy dinner, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day. This recipe has definitely become a new favorite in my household!
I recently tried the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of crispy bacon and creamy Parmesan cheese created a perfect balance of flavors. The penne pasta was cooked al dente and had a nice texture that worked well with the other ingredients. I loved how quick and easy it was to make this dish, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
The recipe called for cooking the bacon until crispy and then using the rendered fat to sauté the onions and garlic. This added a rich and smoky flavor to the dish. I also appreciated the addition of peas, which added a touch of freshness and color to the pasta. The Parmesan cheese was the star of the show, adding a creamy and slightly nutty taste that brought everything together.
I would highly recommend trying the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will impress your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I can’t wait to make it again!
I recently tried the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of crispy bacon and creamy Parmesan sauce was simply irresistible. The pasta cooked perfectly al dente, providing a satisfying texture to each bite. The addition of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes added a nice kick of flavor to the dish.
What I loved most about this recipe was how easy and quick it was to make. The ingredients were readily available in my pantry and the cooking instructions were straightforward. Within 30 minutes, I had a hearty and flavorful meal on the table. This recipe is definitely going into my regular rotation.
The flavors of the bacon and Parmesan cheese complemented each other perfectly, creating a rich and comforting dish. The creamy Parmesan sauce coated the penne pasta beautifully, ensuring that each bite was full of flavor. The garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top provided an extra touch of cheesiness that I couldn’t resist.
I highly recommend trying the Bacon and Parmesan Penne Pasta recipe. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is a winner! Give it a try and indulge in the amazing flavors that this dish has to offer.
