Creamy Bacon Tagliatelle

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this creamy bacon tagliatelle. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines the smoky goodness of bacon with a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with tender tagliatelle pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 270 ml double cream
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 200 g tagliatelle pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
3. Cook the Tagliatelle: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

4. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

6. Add Butter and Olive Oil: To the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the butter to melt over medium heat.
7. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
8. Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, mixed herbs, chili flakes, and salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to slightly caramelize and the spices to release their flavors.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

9. Add Double Cream: Slowly pour in the double cream, stirring continuously to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
10. Add Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

11. Add Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked tagliatelle and crispy bacon to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
12. Add Parmesan: Stir in 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
13. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips for Success

• Cooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon or pancetta.
• Cream: Use double cream for a richer sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with single cream or half-and-half.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian version.
• Chicken: Add cooked chicken breast or thighs for a protein-packed meal.
• Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may cause the cream sauce to separate.

Creamy Bacon Tagliatelle is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich, creamy sauce and the savory flavor of bacon, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!