bacon scramble with pasta

Preparation Time:

• Active prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Intensity Level:

Beginner This recipe is straightforward and easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and basic cooking skills like boiling pasta and scrambling eggs. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone in need of a quick, tasty meal.

Yields:

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (any kind, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamier scramble)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta).
2. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove excess fat: Once the bacon is crisped to your liking, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave a little bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

1. Prepare the eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet with a bit of bacon grease, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Allow the eggs to set for a few seconds, then gently stir with a spatula, pushing the eggs from the edges toward the center. Continue stirring until the eggs are just set but still creamy and soft. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Bacon, and Eggs

1. Mix the pasta and bacon: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the scrambled eggs. Toss everything together, adding the cooked bacon and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help bring everything together.
2. Add cheese (optional): Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. This will add creaminess and extra flavor to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Serve the bacon scramble with pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Pasta choice: This dish works with almost any pasta, but longer shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine or short shapes like penne or rigatoni are particularly good at holding the creamy bacon and egg mixture.
• Creamy eggs: For an extra creamy texture, use a splash of heavy cream or milk when scrambling the eggs. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip this.
• Bacon options: If you prefer, you can use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on what type of bacon or meat you choose.
• Add vegetables: For a more balanced meal, you can add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta and bacon mixture.

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 3 servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 19 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 210 mg

Final Thoughts:

Bacon Scramble with Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of bacon and eggs with the heartiness of pasta. It’s perfect for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a comforting lunch, or an easy dinner. The bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the scrambled eggs provide a creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

This recipe is highly customizable and can easily be adapted to your tastes, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, or even vegetables. In just a little over 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough for a busy weeknight. Enjoy!