Description
Indulge in this quick and comforting Creamy Turkey-Bacon Spaghetti! Crispy turkey bacon and a rich Parmesan cream sauce coat perfectly cooked spaghetti for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 pound (450g) spaghetti
1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce:
8 oz (225g) turkey bacon, chopped into small pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta but do not rinse.
- Cook the turkey bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove about 1/4 of the bacon pieces and set aside for topping.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet with the remaining bacon, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the sauce: Add the Parmesan cheese, butter, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with the reserved crispy turkey bacon pieces, freshly chopped parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese.
- Regular bacon can be substituted for turkey bacon if preferred.
- The pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and fresh.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: creamy spaghetti, turkey bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, bacon spaghetti, family meal