Description
This easy and flavorful Bacon and Leek Pasta combines crispy bacon, tender leeks, and a creamy parmesan sauce to create a comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta recipe balances savory bacon with the mild sweetness of leeks, enhanced by garlic and chicken broth for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 small-to-medium leeks, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Meat
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Liquids & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the leeks: Discard the dark green tops of the leeks and retain the bulb parts. Slice the bulbs into rings. Place the sliced leeks in a colander and rinse thoroughly using your hands to remove any hidden dirt.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Cook the bacon: While the pasta cooks, cut bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the leeks: Reduce the heat to medium and add the rinsed leeks to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly browned for extra flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and cook for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits.
- Combine and finish: Add the reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and cooked bacon back into the skillet. Turn off the heat and add the drained cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, coating the pasta evenly. Season with pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the leeks thoroughly to avoid any grit in the dish.
- Reserving pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or mushrooms for a smoky taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor impact.
