Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders Recipe | Sweet & Savory

I just finished a big bowl of this creamy sausage and mushroom pasta, and I’m already thinking about making it again.

This recipe has become my go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special. 

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and the combination of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and that rich, creamy sauce is just perfection

. It’s surprisingly simple to pull together, which is a huge win in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to create this comforting and flavorful pasta dish.

• 1 lb farfalle pasta – The bow-tie shape is great for catching all the creamy sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor base.
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage – Removing it from the casing and crumbling allows it to brown nicely and mix well.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is a must for a powerful aromatic punch.
• 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced – These add a wonderful earthy depth; feel free to use wild mushrooms for more complex flavor.
• 1 cup dry white wine – A wine you would enjoy drinking, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works best.
• ¾ cup heavy cream – This is the key to a rich, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust this to your liking for a gentle kick of heat.
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt – This type of salt dissolves well and enhances all the other flavors.
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper – Freshly ground pepper provides a much better flavor than pre-ground.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – It adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated – Always grate your own from a block; it melts much smoother than the pre-shredded kind.

Note: This recipe makes enough for several servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, use a plant-based parmesan.
• Different Protein: Try using spicy Italian sausage for more heat, or swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled plant-based sausage.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding a few handfuls of fresh spinach or some steamed broccoli florets at the end. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a lovely tangy flavor.

Cooking Time

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few kitchen staples to make this delicious pasta.

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta perfectly al dente.
• Large Sauté Pan or Skillet: To cook the sausage, mushrooms, and build that incredible cream sauce.
• Colander: For draining the cooked pasta while reserving some of that essential pasta water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and combining all the ingredients in the pan.

How to Make Sausage and Mushroom Pasta?

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. Just before you drain it, make sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and will help thicken your sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casings, add it to the pan, and use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller crumbles. Cook until it is nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then add the sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are golden brown.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour the white wine into the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down until it has reduced by about half. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, about half of the reserved pasta water, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together well, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the dish.

• I can’t stress this enough: do not throw away the pasta water! I once forgot and had to use plain water, and the sauce just wasn’t the same. The starch in the pasta water is essential for creating a silky, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
• I love using a mix of mushrooms. While button mushrooms are great, adding some cremini or shiitake mushrooms gives the dish a deeper, more complex earthy flavor that I adore.
• Don’t be shy with the salt as you go. I season the pasta water, the sausage as it browns, and the final sauce. Building layers of flavor makes a huge difference in the final taste.

How to Serve Sausage and Mushroom Pasta?

This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even better. I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream sauce. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is also a must for sopping up any leftover sauce on the plate. Garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content for this recipe.

• Calories: 766 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fat: 43 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for leftovers, and with proper storage, you can enjoy it for days.

Storing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this creamy pasta will become a new favorite in your home.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in just 40 minutes, but it tastes like you spent hours on it.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy white wine sauce creates a deeply satisfying and delicious meal.
• Highly Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by swapping the sausage for another protein or adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a comforting and hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for a family dinner that everyone will enjoy.