Pasta with Bacon & Chanterelle Sauce
Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 400g pasta (fettuccine or your favorite type)
- Salt for pasta water
- Sauce:
- 200g chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and roughly chopped
- 150g bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50ml white wine (optional)
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, add the chanterelle mushrooms, and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Combine Ingredients:
- If using, pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it cook for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Dish:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Cleaning Chanterelles: Chanterelle mushrooms can be delicate, so use a brush or damp cloth to clean them rather than washing them directly under water.
- Bacon Substitute: Pancetta or prosciutto can be used instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Alternative: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of flour to thicken.
Enjoy your delicious pasta with bacon and chanterelle sauce!