Bacon Fettucini
Creamy bacon fettucini with roasted red pepper, blue cheese, and aromatic spices, perfect for indulgent dinners or special occasions that call for rich, flavorful pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 box fettucini ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) box Blue cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in olive oil until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onions, red pepper, and garlic to the pan; sauté for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add fennel seed, dried thyme, white pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth; cook for 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Return the pureed sauce to the pan and stir in whipping cream; simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Blue cheese to the sauce and melt over low heat.
- Cook fettucini in salted water according to package instructions; drain.
- Toss the cooked fettucini with the sauce in a large bowl.
- Top with cooked bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables. Ensure the fettucini is al dente for the best texture and toss it with the sauce immediately to absorb flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bacon Fettuccini with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper on top before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Fettucini contains roughly 565 calories, with 15g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2449mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. After cooking, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce while cooking fresh fettuccini to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Blue cheese?
If you're not a fan of Blue cheese, you can substitute with feta or goat cheese for a different but still creamy flavor profile. Alternatively, use a mild cheese like cream cheese blended into the sauce for a smoother taste.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for a nutty flavor. Add mushrooms for a meaty texture, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also enhance it with more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).