Quick Creamy Bacon Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
02 - 8 slices bacon, chopped
03 - 2 tablespoons butter
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
07 - 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt to taste
11 - 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Remove to paper towels, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in skillet.
03 - Add butter and garlic to skillet, sauté 1-2 minutes. Add cream and broth, bring to simmer. Stir in Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
04 - Add cooked pasta and bacon to sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

# Recipe Notes:

01 - Can add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition
02 - Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat
03 - Leftovers keep for 3 days in refrigerator