Cozy Fall Dinner: Easy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe

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Oct 5

Written By Anjeet Ratansi

Now that school is back in full swing and our routines have been solidified, i am here to take some stress away from the dreaded question “what do i make for dinner?”

Picture this: It is a chilly fall evening, your family is safe and warm and you have the most delicious spaghetti recipe ready for dinner time.

This spaghetti recipe is one that i made up. There was one particular Friday night when i needed to go grocery shopping and all i had on hand was some spaghetti, some cooked bacon, and some whipping cream. It was a cold evening and i was in the mood for something hearty and warm.

This is one of those recipes that my husband asks for at least once a week, and my children will eat without complaining. The bonus part is that it is easy, quick, and only takes a few ingredients.

Now, i don’t typically cook with bacon, and when i do it is either turkey or beef bacon. I love this recipe with beef bacon, but pork would also work too. I haven’t tried it with turkey bacon but i should imagine it tastes just as good.

Ingredients

4 to 5 pieces of bacon
One white onion
1 cup of whipping cream - you can add more if you like more sauce
½ a teaspoon of cornstarch
1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cups of cooked spaghetti

The method

Cook your spaghetti and leave it to the side
In a large frying pan heat the olive oil
Add in chopped garlic and chopped onion
Add in the bacon - chopped and pre cooked. You can add uncooked bacon also and cook everything together.
Once onion is soft and garlic is cooked you can add in the whipping cream
Now you can add your onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cornstarch. Mix well.
Once it is warm and bubbling you can add the spaghetti and stir everything in with tongs to coat.
Let cook for around 5 minutes.

Optional: For an even richer sauce you can add more whipping cream and some cheese like a good quality parmesan or Havarti.

This fall i have been going through my kitchen and swapping everything that is plastic and toxic, to low tox options. This has also included all of the things i use to cook with. All of my bowls went from plastic to glass or ceramic, and i am starting to cook with and learn how to use cast iron pans.

The trickiest thing for me has been cleaning cast iron but i am learning as i go! Below is the method that i have been following.

How to Clean & Care for Your Cast Iron Pan

Let the pan cool slightly after cooking. Don’t plunge a hot cast iron pan into cold water, as the sudden temperature change can cause damage.
Wipe out leftover food and grease. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to remove as much residue as possible.
Wash with warm water. A small amount of mild dish soap is perfectly fine when needed. Contrary to the old myth, using a little soap won’t ruin a properly seasoned cast iron pan.
For stuck-on food, use coarse salt. Sprinkle a little salt into the pan and scrub gently with a cloth or brush. You can also add a small amount of water and simmer it briefly to loosen stubborn bits.
Avoid soaking your pan. Cast iron and prolonged exposure to water don't mix. Leaving it submerged can encourage rust.
Dry it immediately and thoroughly. Place the pan over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Apply a very thin layer of oil. While the pan is still warm, rub a small amount of cooking oil over the entire cooking surface using a paper towel or cloth. The pan should look lightly polished, not greasy.
Store it somewhere dry. Keep your cast iron pan in a dry cupboard or on your stovetop. If stacking pans, place a paper towel between them to absorb moisture and protect the surfaces.

How to Keep Your Cast Iron Seasoned

Cook with it regularly. One of the best ways to maintain cast iron is simply to use it. Cooking with a little oil helps maintain the seasoning.
Avoid cooking highly acidic foods for long periods. Tomatoes, vinegar and other acidic ingredients can gradually affect seasoning, particularly in a newer or poorly seasoned pan.
Don't worry about small imperfections. Cast iron seasoning develops over time. A few dull spots or minor areas of wear don't mean your pan is ruined.
If rust appears, don't panic. Scrub the rust away, wash and dry the pan thoroughly, then apply a thin coat of oil and rebuild the seasoning with a few rounds of baking.

A Simple Rule to Remember

Clean it, dry it, oil it, and use it.

Cast iron doesn't need to be precious or complicated. With a little regular care, a good cast iron pan can become one of those kitchen pieces you keep for decades—and eventually pass down to someone else.

For more recipes please check out these blog posts:

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