Bacon Parmesan Pasta

 This quick and easy pasta recipe from Pioneer Woman was as tasty and indulgent as its rich ingredients would indicate.   We completely devoured it and will keep this recipe in the rotation whenever we're looking for some hearty comfort food I know the whole family will enjoy. 
 

Click here for printable recipe. 

The ingredients:

1 lb. bacon
1 lb. rigatoni, penne, or ziti pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup (2-ounces) cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 whole eggs
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper


Directions:  In a skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. When done, remove bacon until cool enough to handle and roughly chop. 

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until done. 

Place cream and cream cheese in a small saucepan.  Heat over low until cream cheese is melted, and whisk until smooth.  Remove from heat.  Add the Parmesan cheese, eggs, pepper, and crushed red pepper and whisk until blended. 

Drain pasta (reserving 1/2 cup of hot water) and return to pot.  Immediately add the white sauce and toss to coat.  The hot pasta will cook the eggs.

Stir in the bacon, and add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. 

Enjoy!