03 Apr 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cans canned tomatoes
3 garlic cloves
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
16 oz whole-wheat pasta
6 strips bacon
3 tbsp olive oil
Fettuccine with tomatoes, bacon, and creamy parmesan sauce is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of salty prosciutto, savory bacon, and creamy parmesan, perfectly balanced by the freshness of tomatoes and parsley. This recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner that's sure to impress family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the parsley and set aside.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Open the canned tomatoes and drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Grate the parmesan cheese if not already grated.
- Chop the bacon into small pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, add the chopped bacon over medium heat.
- Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring until well combined.
- Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
6. Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Add the chopped fresh parsley to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Tips:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to stir it occasionally while it cooks.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a little heat.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the fettuccine. You can use it to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For added flavor, try sautéing the prosciutto and bacon until crispy before combining them with the other ingredients.
This Fettuccine with tomatoes, bacon, and creamy parmesan sauce makes for a luxurious and satisfying meal. The combination of textures and flavors creates a real treat for the taste buds. Enjoy your culinary creation with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.