Classic Creamy Bacon Penne
A comforting, reliable midweek pasta dish featuring crispy smoked bacon tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce with plenty of parmesan.
20 min
Cook time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
~900
Calories
Nutrition (per serving)
900
Calories · kcal
28
Protein · g
72
Carbs · g
55
Fat · g
Ingredients
- penne pasta (dry) — 400g
- smoked streaky bacon, chopped — 200g
- double cream — 200ml
- parmesan cheese, grated — 100g
- garlic, crushed — 2 cloves
- sunflower oil — 1 tbsp
Method
- 1
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the penne according to packet instructions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and fry the chopped bacon until crisp and golden.
- 3
Add the garlic to the bacon and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour the double cream into the frying pan and simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- 5
Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water, and add the pasta to the creamy bacon sauce.
- 6
Stir in the grated parmesan, adding a splash of the pasta water if the sauce needs loosening, then serve immediately.
Allergens to check
gluten, dairy
Why this works
The saltiness of the smoked bacon cuts through the richness of the double cream, while the starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce to ensure it clings perfectly to every piece of penne.
Equipment
large saucepan, large frying pan, colander, wooden spoon
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