Brie, Bacon and Basil Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
552 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Brie, Bacon and Basil Pasta
Description
Brie, Bacon and Basil Pasta features several key ingredients that build its distinctive character. Cooked pasta is mixed with a sauce made by melting cubed Brie in bacon grease along with caramelized onions and garlic. This process creates a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. Crispy bacon pieces add a smoky crunch, while fresh basil provides herbaceous brightness. The addition of lemon juice cuts through the richness, brightening the overall flavor.
Cooked pasta is combined just before serving, allowing the Brie sauce to coat every strand thoroughly. The balance of textures from tender pasta, creamy cheese, and crisp bacon makes this dish satisfying and flavorful. Seasoned simply with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, it achieves depth without overwhelming the palate.
This pasta dish can be enjoyed immediately as a comforting lunch or dinner. The use of Brie rind is intentional, as it melts down without altering the taste significantly. Leaving the rind on eases preparation and contributes to the sauce's smooth texture. Serve as is or with a light salad to complement the richness.
For best results, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency and use thin-sliced bacon to achieve crispness quickly. The caramelization of onions before adding garlic and Brie is crucial to developing the sauce's flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
- 4 pieces Bacon thin sliced
- ½ yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ lb Brie cheese cut into cubes
- 10-15 basil cut into a chiffonade, leaves
- salt Kosher salt and freshly cracked, to taste
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly cracked, to taste
- lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and the cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Place the bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon on both sides until brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it to cool on a paper towel lined plate. Once the bacon is cool, break it into bite sized pieces.
- Add the thinly sliced onion into the cast iron skillet with the bacon grease and saute over medium high heat until the onions are caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and toss for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cubed brie into the cast iron skillet along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and a few squeezes of lemon juice. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and then add the cooked pasta to the mixture and toss to combine. Add the bacon and basil and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leave the Brie rind on; it melts smoothly and doesn’t affect taste.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed for desired consistency.
- Use thin-sliced bacon for quicker crisping and better texture.
- Caramelize onions fully before adding garlic and Brie to develop flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 552 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 552kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 509mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 317mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 397IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 129mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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