Mushroom and Bacon Noodles Recipe
If you love rich and savory flavors, this Mushroom and Bacon Noodles recipe is a great option. Combining earthy mushrooms with crispy bacon, all tossed in a flavorful sauce, it makes for a comforting and quick meal. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 250g (9 oz) noodles (any type you prefer: spaghetti, fettuccine, or egg noodles)
- 150g (5 oz) bacon, cut into small strips
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or shiitake), thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamier version) or 1/2 cup chicken broth (for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Lemon zest for a fresh, tangy touch
- A splash of white wine to deglaze the pan and add depth
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the bacon into small strips, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms and onion. If you’re using fresh parsley as a garnish, chop it finely. Set everything aside so you can easily add them to the pan.
2. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to use later if needed. Toss the noodles with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together, then set them aside.
3. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the bacon strips to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet as it will add flavor to the dish.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. If there’s too much bacon fat, you can remove a little, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from browning too quickly.
5. Cook the Mushrooms
Once the onions are softened, increase the heat slightly and add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they become tender and begin to release their juices. The mushrooms will shrink in size and absorb the flavors from the bacon and garlic. Season the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the Sauce
If you’re opting for a creamier version, now’s the time to add the heavy cream to the skillet. Pour in the cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Alternatively, for a lighter version, use chicken broth instead of cream, letting it simmer and reduce to concentrate the flavors. If desired, you can add a splash of white wine at this stage to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
7. Combine Everything
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them gently with the bacon, mushrooms, and sauce until everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it by adding a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the noodles and toss again to incorporate.
8. Season and Garnish
Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, or a bit of lemon zest to brighten up the dish.
9. Serve
Transfer the Mushroom and Bacon Noodles to serving plates, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the top or sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Noodle choice: While this recipe works with most noodles, fettuccine or spaghetti complements the creamy sauce especially well.
- Vegetarian option: To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter. You can add additional mushrooms or vegetables like spinach for extra heartiness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to rehydrate the sauce.
Conclusion
Mushroom and Bacon Noodles offer a hearty, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and versatile enough to be adapted to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or an easy weeknight meal, the combination of crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and savory noodles will satisfy your cravings!