Zucchini Bacon Parmesan Pasta Recipe

I love it when happy accidents happen in the kitchen to create culinary magic!  That is exactly what happened to me the other day.  My intention was to make butter noodles with a side of zucchini and squash.  They had been in the fridge for a hot minute and I needed to use them up.  I made the pasta in my Instant Pot and decided to sauté my vegetables.  Zucchini isn't one of my husbands favorite things, so I decided to add some bacon and parmesan to sweeten the deal.  So I plate everything up, sit down to dinner, and this is where the magic happened!

I served the pasta and the zucchini side-by-side in a pasta bowl.  I'm not fussy about things touching so I just mixed my veggies in with my noodles and OH-EM-GEE!!!  This was was literally one of the best things I have had in a while and my husband loved it too!  That is where this Zucchini Bacon and Parmesan Recipe was born.  

Packed full of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, smokey bacon, and creamy parmesan cheese there was no way this dish COULDN'T be delicious.  And let's face it, we are ALWAYS looking for ways to use zucchini.  I know you are going to love this recipe and I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• 8 slices of Bacon
• 1 Zucchini, diced
• 1 Yellow Squash, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic
• 1 lb Rotini Pasta
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 cups Parmesan Cheese, shredded
• Salt and Pepper

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Prepare pasta according to the recipe on the box or you can make it in your Instant pot.  I will have instructions for that (HERE) Don't forget to salt the water.  It's the only chance you have to season the pasta itself.
2. While the pasta is cooking, add a little oil to a pan and place over medium/high heat.  Cook the bacon until crisp and them remove from the pan.  Chop up into pieces. 
3. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Then add the zucchini and squash.  Sauté for about 10 minutes until tender and browned.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Season with salt and pepper.
4. When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and add to the pan with the vegetables.  Add the bacon (be sure to reserve some for the top), butter, half of the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.  Stir everything together
5. Top with the rest of the bacon and parmesan cheese.  Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt. Serve and Enjoy!

Look at all that amazing flavor in one spoon! 

I love this recipe because it is so versatile.  You are only limited to your imagination.  Don't like zucchini use green beans or broccoli.  Don't like bacon use chicken or Italian sausage would be great!  Want it to be cheesier, add a little mozzarella.  Want a creamier sauce?  Add a little heavy cream.  This Zucchini Bacon Parmesan Pasta Recipe is something that everyone in your family will love.  

And because I know some of you will ask.  YES!  You can 100% make this plant based.  Simple omit the bacon or use your favorite vegan bacon and use your favorite vegan parmesan.  

Oh!  And a little tip to help shorten the cooking time, I used the pre-cooked bacon for this.  It's ready in like 2 minutes in the pan which is super nice.  I'm literally addicted to this stuff now.  

 I can't wait for you to give my little happy accident of Zucchini Bacon and Parmesan Pasta a try.  I know you are gonna love it!  And if you do make it be sure to tag me on Facebook!  

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~