Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Pasta with BlixSam Pasta a la Sam

Ingredients

• 500 g penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt, for boiling

• 200 g streaky bacon, chopped
• 250 g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp BlixSam Pasta a la Sam
• 1 cup (250 ml) fresh cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock or pasta water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden and most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the onion to the pan and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in BlixSam Pasta a la Sam and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the flavour.
6. Pour in the cream and chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Return the mushrooms and bacon to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Add the pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
9. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.