Penne Carbonara

Pasta Night

I was really in the mood for some good pasta the other night, but not in the mood for going out.  I normally plan on having a pasta night once a week just because it's quick and inexpensive.  I had the basic ingredients on hand, but was wanting something different.  I decided to try and whip up a carbonara of sorts with bacon and a rich cream sauce.  Using just what I had on hand, it turned out really tasty and I will definitely make it again.  So I thought I'd share it with you today.

Penne Carbonara

4 cups of cooked penne pasta

4 strips of bacon, diced and cooked

1 cup of sliced mushrooms

2 Tbsp of butter

1/2 cup of cream cheese

1/2 cup of milk

1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp of garlic powder

1/4 cup of sliced black olives

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, cook diced bacon in a large skillet.  Remove bacon and set aside.  Pour off all bacon drippings and return pan to stove.  There will be bits left in the skillet and that is OK -don't scrap away.  Add mushrooms and butter to skillet and saute to your liking.  Remove mushrooms from skillet and set aside.  Add cream cheese to skillet and stir to soften and melt.  Slowly add in milk to combine with cream cheese.When it looks thin and is well combined, add in Parmesan cheese.  This will thicken and flavor the sauce.  Add garlic powder.  Note - if sauce is too thin, add more cheese. If sauce is too thick, thin out with milk.  Once the sauce is too your liking, add the bacon mushrooms, and black olives.  Salt and pepper to taste and serve over pasta.  

Enjoy :)