Transform everyday ingredients into a luxurious pasta dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant! This creamy, smoky pasta combines the richness of bacon and sausage with a velvety sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing unexpected guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta shells or similar
- 150g (5.3 oz) bacon, diced
- 300g (10.5 oz) smoked sausages, sliced
- 100g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 40g (3 tablespoons) butter
- 50g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour
- 300ml (1¼ cups) milk
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella, shredded
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta
- Bring salted water to boil
- Cook pasta according to package instructions
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
- Prepare Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large pan
- Cook diced bacon until crispy
- Add sliced sausages, brown on both sides
- Remove and set aside
- Make Sauce Base
- In same pan, add butter and remaining oil
- Sauté onions until translucent
- Add garlic, cook 30 seconds
- Add mushrooms, cook until golden
- Create Sauce
- Add flour to pan, stir for 1 minute
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly
- Cook until sauce thickens
- Add mozzarella, stir until melted
- Combine
- Return meat to pan
- Add cooked pasta
- Fold in fresh spinach
- Add pasta water if needed for consistency
- Season with salt to taste
- Finish
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dill
- Serve immediately while hot
Nutritional Information
(Per serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 585
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions
- Reserve pasta water – it’s crucial for the perfect sauce
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking meats
- Grate cheese while still cold for easier handling
- Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor
Variations and Substitutions
- Use any short pasta shape
- Substitute cream for richer sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Use different cheese combinations
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Best served fresh, but can be reheated gently
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, thaw and drain well first
Q: How do I prevent sauce from clumping?
A: Keep stirring constantly while adding milk
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Skip meats and add more mushrooms
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with splash of milk
- Don’t freeze – sauce may separate
- Prep ingredients ahead for faster cooking
- Store prepped ingredients separately until cooking
This quick and impressive pasta dish proves that amazing flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, this versatile recipe will become your go-to for both casual dinners and special occasions.
