Creamy Brie and Bacon Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines the smooth, creamy texture of Brie cheese with the savory flavor of crispy bacon. This pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Here’s how you can make this delicious pasta:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- 4 oz bacon (about 4-5 slices), chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze the Pan:
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bacon. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces by about half.
- If not using wine, just skip this step and add the chicken broth instead.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and add the Brie cheese pieces, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the creamy Brie sauce. Add the cooked bacon and toss again until everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Add Veggies: You can stir in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Wine Option: If you’re not using wine, chicken broth works wonderfully to add depth to the sauce.
- Bacon Variations: You can also use pancetta or prosciutto in place of bacon for a slightly different taste.
This Creamy Brie and Bacon Pasta is a decadent, flavorful dish that combines the richness of Brie with the smoky crunch of bacon — a perfect meal for any pasta lover!