Pasta Boscaiola

Craving a delicious and comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a cozy evening? Look no further than our delightful Pasta Boscaiola recipe! This traditional Italian dish combines the rich flavors of bacon, mushrooms, and cream to create a creamy and hearty pasta sauce that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering Pasta Boscaiola!

**Ingredients:**

– 12 oz of pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 8 oz of cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 1/2 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and the fat has rendered. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

3. Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and have released their juices, about 5-6 minutes.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember that the bacon adds saltiness, so be mindful of how much additional salt you need.

8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it up by adding some of the reserved pasta water, a little bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

9. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the pasta. Serve the Pasta Boscaiola hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy this luxurious Pasta Boscaiola with a side of crusty bread and a glass of your favorite wine for the perfect cozy evening meal that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Buon appetito!