Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Bucatini

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Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Bucatini, a dish that combines the earthy taste of cremini mushrooms with the smoky goodness of bacon. The velvety sauce, made with heavy cream and a touch of Dijon mustard, perfectly coats the bucatini pasta, making every bite irresistible. This recipe is a delightful option for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, sure to impress with its elegant yet comforting appeal.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta:
    • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (bucatini or your favorite variety)
  • For the Sauce:
    • 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
    • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
    • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • For Serving (optional):
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • Chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the bucatini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. Take the bacon out of the skillet and set it aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released their juices. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to prevent it from burning.
  4. Top of Form
  5. Bottom of Form
  6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor.
  7. Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, stirring to incorporate. Pour in the heavy cream, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked bucatini and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is overly thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  9. Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Bucatini is a luxurious pasta dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for entertaining guests. The combination of savory bacon, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a standout recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious pasta dish!

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