Creamy Bacon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 12 oz dried pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 10 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups reserved pasta cooking water
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1½ cups of pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
3. Add onion to the same pan and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adjusting with more pasta water if needed.
7. Fold in crispy bacon, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.