Imagine a creamy, decadent pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup - sounds too good to be true? Get ready to fall in love with the most irresistible One Pot Bacon Alfredo that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! This Italian-inspired recipe combines crispy bacon, rich heavy cream, and perfectly cooked pasta into a single pot of pure culinary magic that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta, 4 slices of bacon, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom of the pot.
- Once the cream is simmering, add the fettuccine pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the cream. If necessary, add a little extra water to ensure the pasta is covered.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan cheese already contribute some saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
- Finally, stir the crispy bacon back into the pot, mixing it evenly throughout the pasta.
- Serve the One Pot Bacon Alfredo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese won't give you the same creamy texture.
- Keep your heat at medium-low when adding cream to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, always have some pasta water reserved to help thin it out and add extra flavor.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.
- Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor impact in your final dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture in your final dish.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 33g
Cholesterol: 170mg
