Quick Creamy Bacon Penne

Ingredients

• penne (dry) — 400g
• smoked back bacon, chopped — 200g
• double cream — 200ml
• parmesan cheese, grated — 50g
• garlic cloves, crushed — 2 cloves
• olive oil — 1 tbsp

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and cook the penne according to packet instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until golden and crispy.

3. 3

   Add the crushed garlic to the bacon and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Pour the double cream into the pan, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in the grated parmesan.

5. 5

   Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water. Toss the pasta into the frying pan with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it.

6. 6

   Serve immediately, optionally topped with a little extra black pepper.