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Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Sauce

Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Sauce That Elevates Any Pasta

This creamy mushroom and bacon sauce transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting dish, perfect for pasta nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 8 oz Thick Cut Bacon Adds smokiness and depth of flavor; substitute with pancetta if desired.
  • 1 lb Fresh Mushrooms Baby bella or porcini mushrooms are ideal.
  • 1 cup Onion Thinly sliced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves Or use dried thyme (½ tsp).
  • 28 oz Peeled Whole Tomatoes Purèed.
  • ¾ cup Dry White Wine Can be replaced with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper Introduces a mild spice.
For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Pasta Pappardelle, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Adds richness and creaminess.
  • ½ cup Peas Introduces sweetness and color contrast.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Fresh Italian Parsley Chopped.
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated.

Equipment

  • large sauté pan
  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add thick cut bacon, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same pan, add one pound of fresh mushrooms, cooking for approximately 8 minutes until caramelized and moisture is released.
  3. Add Aromatics: Introduce one cup of thinly sliced onion, three minced garlic cloves, and one teaspoon of fresh thyme to the pan. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until onions are softened.
  4. Incorporate the Sauce Base: Pour in puréed peeled tomatoes and dry white wine, stirring to combine. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook one pound of chosen pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, reserving one cup of pasta cooking water.
  6. Combine Sauce and Cream: Stir in heavy cream and peas into simmering sauce, mixing gently to ensure everything is well incorporated.
  7. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta and crispy bacon back into the pan, tossing over low heat until evenly coated in sauce.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and fold in chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 24gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding cream or pasta water to maintain creaminess. Can freeze portions for up to 2 months.

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