Monday Night Dinner: Pasta with Bacon and Mushrooms
A versatile weeknight dish that adapts to your pantry and delivers big, savory flavor.
If you’re looking for an easy yet indulgent dinner to kick off your week, this pasta with bacon and mushrooms checks all the boxes. Bacon and mushrooms are a classic pairing: salty, smoky, and deeply savory. Combined with tender noodles and a flexible sauce, this dish delivers a hearty meal that can be adapted in countless ways to suit your tastes and kitchen staples.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights
- Quick prep and cook time: The meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients: Basic pantry and fridge staples like pasta, bacon, and mushrooms.
- Flexible approach: You can easily substitute mushrooms, herbs, or liquid bases for the sauce.
- Great as a main or side: Serve solo or alongside steak or pork chops for a more elaborate meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 ounces (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine) | Choose your favorite; long noodles work best |
| Bacon | 4-6 slices (thin-cut recommended) | Cut into 1/2-inch pieces |
| Mushrooms | 8 ounces (white, cremini, or mixed) | Rinse and slice; any fresh variety works |
| Garlic | 2-4 cloves | Mince for best flavor |
| Olive Oil | 1-2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Chicken Broth or Wine | 1/2 cup | Optional; adds depth to sauce |
| Fresh Herbs | Thyme, parsley, chives, etc. | Add at the end, use what you have |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Season at multiple points |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Boil the Pasta: Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prep the Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon pieces and cook until just turning golden.
- Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor.
- Slice & Sauté Mushrooms: Rinse and slice mushrooms (don’t fear rinsing!). Increase heat to high, add mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, to get them golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Mince garlic; toss garlic into the pan with mushrooms, cook for another minute.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth or white wine to lift browned bits and deepen flavor. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return bacon to the pan, toss in fresh herbs if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Pour cooked pasta into skillet, tossing with mushroom-bacon mixture. Add reserved pasta water as needed to coat noodles with sauce and reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Pasta
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce.
- Let Mushrooms Brown: High heat and patience yield deeply savory, golden mushrooms.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté until moisture evaporates for best texture.
- Customize Herbs: Swap in chives, parsley, or thyme for unique flavors.
- Add Cheese: Grate parmesan on top before serving for extra richness.
Adapting the Recipe: Custom Variations
This pasta is designed to be endlessly adaptable. Here are options for customizing the dish based on preference or ingredient availability:
- Meatless Option: Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or skip entirely; add more mushrooms.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or chopped asparagus towards the end.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after deglazing the pan.
- Try Different Mushrooms: Use a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster for richer flavor.
- Use Red Wine: Create a deeper sauce by replacing chicken broth or white wine with a splash of red.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta as a satisfying single dish or pair it for an upscale meal:
- Main Dish: Enjoy alone, topped with extra parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Alongside Proteins: Perfect next to steak or pork chops for a rich, complete plate.
- With Salad: Add a crisp green salad for balance and freshness.
- For the Family: Double the recipe for larger gatherings; kids love the bacon!
How to Select and Prep Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a star in this dish for both texture and flavor. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Choose firm, fresh mushrooms: Avoid slimy or wrinkled caps.
- Rinse well: Despite tradition, a thorough rinse is fine for most home recipes; dry with paper towels before slicing.
- Slice evenly: Uniform size promotes even browning.
- Maximize browning: Cook on high heat, don’t overcrowd, and avoid constant stirring to allow crust formation.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika and extra mushrooms for a similar depth of flavor.
What types of mushrooms work best?
Any fresh mushrooms like white button, cremini, or mixed wild varieties. Avoid canned for best texture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This pasta is best served immediately, but you can prep ingredients (slice mushrooms, mince garlic) in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of water if needed.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and proceed as directed.
What sides pair well with this pasta?
Classic sides include crisp salads, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or roasted meats.
Is rinsing mushrooms really okay?
Yes. Rinse thoroughly before slicing and dry well. The extra moisture won’t harm the final dish if the mushrooms are properly sautéed over high heat.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
This dish provides a balanced serving of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. For reduced fat, choose center-cut or turkey bacon. For extra protein, top with a fried or poached egg, or toss in extra legumes like chickpeas.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450-525 | Varies greatly with bacon type and added cheese/cream |
| Protein | 14-20 g | Primarily from bacon and pasta |
| Fat | 16-22 g | Bacon and olive oil main sources |
| Carbohydrates | 55-70 g | Pasta is main source |
| Fiber | 2-5 g | Mushrooms and whole wheat pasta increase content |
Expert Tips for Customizing to Dietary Needs
- Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or palmini pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Skip parmesan and cream; use chicken broth or extra olive oil for moisture.
- Vegan Option: Try vegan bacon alternatives and finish with nutritional yeast.
- Rich and Creamy: Increase the cream or use mascarpone for a decadent twist.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Pasta may dry out or soften upon reheating, so cook just what you’ll enjoy fresh for best results.
Serving for Gatherings: Tips and Tricks
- Double the recipe easily: Use a larger skillet and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Make ahead: Cook pasta and bacon/mushroom mixture separately, combine just before serving.
- Keep warm: Store in low oven (200°F) covered with foil until ready to eat.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
- Wine: Crisp whites (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay) or light reds (Pinot Noir) complement the savory elements.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea provide palate refreshers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use thick-cut bacon instead?
Yes, but thin-cut bacon crisps faster and distributes better among the pasta.
What if I only have dried herbs?
Dried herbs work in a pinch; use about half the amount compared to fresh, and add earlier in cooking to allow flavors to develop.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Most kids enjoy the mild flavors of bacon and mushrooms, especially if you finely chop the mushrooms for easier eating.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Gradually add reserved pasta water and a sprinkle of grated parmesan, stirring until sauce coats noodles perfectly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended, as mushrooms and pasta can become mushy. Refrigerate and eat within 2 days instead.
Quick Recap & Inspiration
This Monday Night Dinner: Pasta with Bacon and Mushrooms is a staple bowl of comfort—fast, adaptable, and absolutely satisfying. Make it your own with favorite herbs, mushrooms, and add-ons, or pair it with a bigger protein dish for a classic steakhouse feel at home. Bacon and mushrooms rarely go wrong, especially when wrapped around tender pasta and a simple, savory sauce. Enjoy your weeknight, every week!
References
- https://www.foxandbriar.com/creamy-bacon-mushroom-pasta/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9439/monday-night-dinner-pasta-with-bacon-and-mushrooms/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10649/pasta-carbonara/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_C5C9jy1vo
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32961068/mushroom-recipes/
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