Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your pasta night! This isn't just another boring pasta recipe - this is a decadent, bourbon-infused masterpiece that combines the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with a creamy sauce that will make your mouth water. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, each strand coated with a luxurious sauce that brings together the boldness of bourbon and the irresistible crunch of bacon. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home cooking game with this show-stopping dish that's surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bourbon bacon sauce. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, stirring occasionally, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully pour in the bourbon, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Allow the bourbon to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained fettuccine directly to the skillet with the bourbon bacon sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and mix until everything is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Serve the fettuccine hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Fettuccine with Bourbon Bacon Sauce!
Tips
- Bacon Selection: Choose a high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The better the bacon, the more delicious your sauce will be.
- Bourbon Matters: Use a good-quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking. The flavor will concentrate in the sauce, so avoid cheap alternatives.
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the fettuccine.
- Crispy Bacon Technique: Cook bacon low and slow to render out the fat and achieve maximum crispiness. Remove it from the pan before it burns.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Cheese Pro Tip: Grate the Parmesan fresh if possible - it melts more smoothly and has a more robust flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skip the fresh parsley. It adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 130mg
