Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Pasta 🍝🥓🍄

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the 12 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta, setting it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 6 slices of chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan. If there are less than 1 tablespoon of drippings, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the 8 oz of sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
Add Garlic: Stir in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce