Turkey Bacon Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender pasta, crispy turkey bacon, and a creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 8 oz turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta and crispy turkey bacon to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well in this recipe.
- Turkey Bacon: Cooking the turkey bacon until crispy adds texture and flavor to the dish. Make sure to leave some of the rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add 1 cup of peas or chopped spinach to the sauce for added color and nutrition.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Cheese Substitute: Try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor.
- Herbed Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning to the sauce for an herbed flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Turkey Bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon. Just be aware that regular bacon will have more fat, which will add extra richness to the dish.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
It’s best to make this dish fresh, as the sauce may thicken when stored. However, you can cook the bacon and pasta ahead of time, then reheat and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.
4. Can I Freeze Turkey Bacon Pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed and reheated.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with vinaigrette to add freshness to the meal.
- Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Turkey Bacon Pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its savory flavors and rich sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests, this easy recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious combination of turkey bacon, pasta, and creamy Parmesan sauce!
