Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Mint Shell Pasta with Bacon recipe! Imagine perfectly cooked shell pasta coated in crispy bacon's rich flavor, brightened by the unexpected freshness of mint, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy dish proves that gourmet meals don't have to be complicated – just 30 minutes stands between you and a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shell pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the skillet with bacon fat to medium heat. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the bacon fat.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the pasta and add the crispy bacon pieces. Gently toss to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss one final time to ensure even distribution of ingredients and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta from the inside out.
- Cook bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce.
- Use fresh mint if possible - it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
- Toss the pasta quickly in the bacon fat to help the sauce cling to every shell.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 285kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
