Creamy Tagliatelle with Bacon: A Deliciously Indulgent Recipe

Creamy Tagliatelle with Bacon is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italy and the comforting essence of home-cooked meals. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to a rustic Italian kitchen, where the aroma of sizzling bacon mingles with the creamy sauce, creating a symphony of taste that is hard to resist. The history of tagliatelle dates back to the 15th century in the Emilia-Romagna region, where it was traditionally served with rich meat sauces. Today, creamy tagliatelle with bacon has evolved into a beloved favorite, cherished for its luscious texture and savory flavor profile.

People adore this dish for its perfect balance of creaminess and the smoky crunch of bacon, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is both convenient and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a plate of creamy tagliatelle with bacon that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 300g tagliatelle pasta
• 150g bacon or pancetta, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200ml heavy cream
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
2. Dice the bacon or pancetta into small pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
3. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set these aside as they will be added to the pan shortly.
4. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you are not using pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and enhance the flavor of the dish.
5. Chop fresh parsley for garnish. This will add a pop of color and freshness to your creamy tagliatelle.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. The water should taste like the sea, which will help season the pasta.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle pasta. Stir gently to prevent the strands from sticking together.
4. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally.
5. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that will help thicken the sauce.

Cooking the Bacon and Aromatics

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced bacon or pancetta to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
3. Once the bacon is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the bacon and onion mixture.
2. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce slightly.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan are already salty, so taste before adding more salt.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained tagliatelle pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, ensuring that every strand is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired creaminess.
3. Cook the pasta in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Dish

1. Once the pasta is well coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Plate the creamy tagliatelle in serving bowls or on a large serving platter.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious creamy tagliatelle with

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Creamy Tagliatelle with Bacon recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a rich and satisfying meal that combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce envelops the tender tagliatelle, while the crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. You can also add seasonal vegetables like peas or asparagus for an extra pop of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the bacon for pancetta or adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. We encourage you to try this Creamy Tagliatelle with Bacon recipe and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with in the comments below. Your feedback not only helps us improve but also inspires fellow food lovers to explore this delicious dish. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Creamy Tagliatelle with Bacon: A Deliciously Indulgent Recipe

   ---

   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 35 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy tagliatelle pasta, featuring crispy bacon or pancetta, sautéed onions, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner.

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 300g tagliatelle pasta
   • 150g bacon or pancetta, diced
   • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 200ml heavy cream
   • 100g grated Parmesan cheese
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Salt, to taste
   • Black pepper, to taste
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   ---

   Instructions

   1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
   2. Dice the bacon or pancetta into small pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
   3. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set these aside as they will be added to the pan shortly.
   4. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you are not using pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and enhance the flavor of the dish.
   5. Chop fresh parsley for garnish. This will add a pop of color and freshness to your creamy tagliatelle.
   6. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. The water should taste like the sea, which will help season the pasta.
   7. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
   8. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle pasta. Stir gently to prevent the strands from sticking together.
   9. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally.
   10. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that will help thicken the sauce.
   11. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   12. Add the diced bacon or pancetta to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
   13. Once the bacon is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
   14. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
   15. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the bacon and onion mixture.
   16. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce slightly.
   17. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   18. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan are already salty, so taste before adding more salt.
   19. Add the drained tagliatelle pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
   20. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, ensuring that every strand is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired creaminess.
   21. Cook the pasta in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   22. Once the pasta is well coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
   23. Plate the creamy tagliatelle in serving bowls or on a large serving platter.
   24. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
   25. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious creamy tagliatelle!

   Notes

   • For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon or pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
   • Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 20 minutes