Pasta with Bacon Mushroom Vinaigrette

I love bacon and mushrooms. But sometimes, bacon can get too rich. I like this recipes, adapted from Food and Wine, because the vinegar really cuts some of the richness and makes it a balanced dish. A box of pasta can feed anywhere from 4-6 people depending on your appetite. This takes about 30 minutes to make. 

Pasta with Bacon and Mushroom Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

1 lb or 1 package of bacon, sliced

2 onions, diced

1 8oz package of mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

1 lb of your favorite pasta

grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

basil (optional)

HARDWARE

Knife and cutting board

4 prep bowls

1 large pot with lid

1 large frying pan

1. Fill large pot with water and put on high heat.
2. As the water is coming to a boil, prep bacon, onion, mushrooms, garlic. 
3. In the large frying pan, heat oil to medium. 
4. Add bacon and cook under golden and fat is rendered, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add onion and cook until soft. 
6. Add mushrooms and garlic and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook mushrooms for 5 minutes and stir in balsamic vinegar. 
8. Add pasta to boiling water and cook per packaging directions.
9. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest of the pasta. 
10. Return pasta back into pot and add vinaigrette and some pasta water. Turn heat to low. Add more water if needed. 
11. Top with cheese and basil.