Creamy Brie and Bacon Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccini (or any pasta of your choice)
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 onion, thinly sliced vertically
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (8 ounce) Brie cheese, rind removed
• 1/3 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccini and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 12 to 13 minutes, or to your desired level of doneness). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon on both sides until it becomes brown and crisp, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet. Once the bacon cools, break it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon fat. Stir occasionally and saut until the vegetables are lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and saut for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Cut the Brie cheese into small cubes and add it to the skillet. Stir to melt the cheese and combine it with the other ingredients.
6. Add enough of the reserved pasta water to the skillet to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the julienned sun-dried tomatoes and mix well.
7. Add the cooked fettuccini to the skillet and toss to combine the pasta with the sauce. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top of the pasta, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	365
Total Fat	21g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	11g (57% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	68mg (23% Daily Value)
Sodium	631mg (27% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	25g (9% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	21g (41% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	6mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium	126mg (10% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium	473mg (10% Daily Value)

History of the Dish

The creamy Brie and bacon pasta is a modern American creation that blends the rich, buttery texture of Brie cheese with the smoky flavor of bacon, creating a comforting yet elegant dish. While the exact origin of this recipe is not well-documented, it is likely a fusion of French and American culinary influences. Brie, a soft and creamy French cheese, has long been a staple in both European and American kitchens. The addition of bacon introduces a distinctly American touch, as bacon has become an iconic ingredient in many modern pasta recipes. This dish is a relatively recent creation, likely gaining popularity in the early 21st century as more people embraced indulgent pasta dishes featuring rich ingredients like cheese and bacon.

Regional Features

Although the creamy Brie and bacon pasta is commonly prepared in America, its ingredients are influenced by both French and Italian culinary traditions. Brie cheese is a hallmark of French cuisine, known for its smooth texture and mild flavor, often paired with fruits and nuts. The use of bacon in this dish, however, is more typical of American cooking, where bacon is frequently used as a savory flavor enhancer in everything from pasta to salads. The sun-dried tomatoes used in this recipe are an Italian ingredient, adding a tangy, concentrated burst of flavor to the dish. Therefore, this pasta can be considered a delightful cross-cultural creation.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While there are many pasta dishes that incorporate cheese and bacon, what sets this recipe apart is its unique use of Brie cheese. Unlike more common cheeses such as Parmesan or mozzarella, Brie has a soft, creamy texture that melts into a luscious sauce. This results in a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Additionally, the pairing of Brie with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms brings complexity and depth to the dish, elevating it from a simple bacon and cheese pasta to a gourmet meal. Most similar dishes rely on hard, sharp cheeses for a more structured sauce, but the Brie creates a distinctive creaminess that makes this pasta stand out.

Where It Is Typically Served

This dish is perfect for serving at both casual gatherings and more formal dinners. It is a versatile recipe that can be made for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a balance of sophistication and comfort. In many American homes, this dish can be found on dinner tables as a comforting option for family meals. It is also commonly featured on the menus of contemporary Italian or American bistros, where it can be enjoyed with a glass of white wine. The rich flavor of the Brie and bacon pairs especially well with crisp, refreshing wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Interesting Facts

• Brie cheese is often referred to as the "Queen of Cheeses" due to its smooth, rich texture and mild flavor.
• Bacon has been a beloved ingredient in American cooking for centuries, with its history tracing back to ancient cultures who preserved pork through smoking and salting methods.
• The combination of Brie and bacon has become a popular duo in recent years, appearing not only in pasta but in appetizers, burgers, and even pizza.
• Sun-dried tomatoes, used in this recipe, are often considered a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine and are prized for their concentrated, tangy flavor.

FAQ about Creamy Brie and Bacon Pasta Recipe