Can I leave out the poppy seeds?

Yep, they are optional...but if you happen to have any, they do add a little fun zip of flavor. You can usually find them in the spice section of your grocery store.

Can I use low-fat sour cream in this recipe?

You can! Both full fat and low fat will work. Don't use the totally fat-free kind though - the sauce won't have enough texture.

Do I need to heat the butter and sour cream before adding them?

Nope! Bring them to room temperature first, and the hot pasta will do most of the work. If the butter needs a little help melting, stir briefly over the lowest heat setting. Keep things gentle and don’t let the sauce boil.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a little reserved pasta cooking water, a splash at a time, until the sauce is the consistency you like. Remember to scoop some out before draining your pasta!

Have a question that I didn't cover?

Pop your question in the comments section below and I will answer pronto!

Pasta with Sour Cream Sauce

Name: Pasta with Sour Cream Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces bacon, chopped; 10 ounces short pasta, such as penne or campanelle; 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature; 4 scallions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

Pasta with Sour Cream Sauce

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5 from 3 reviews

This easy pasta with sour cream sauce combines crispy bacon, butter and tangy sour cream for a creamy, comforting supper in just 35 minutes.

Author: Kate Morgan Jackson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

8 ounces bacon, chopped
10 ounces short pasta, such as penne or campanelle
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the hot pasta pot.
With the heat off, gently stir in the butter and sour cream until the butter melts and the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, use the lowest heat setting briefly, stirring constantly. Don’t let the sauce boil.
Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in the scallions, optional poppy seeds and cooked bacon. Serve immediately, on warmed plates if you like.

Notes

- Pasta: Any short pasta shape will work, including penne, elbows, bowties or campanelle.
- Sour cream: Full-fat makes the richest sauce, but low-fat also works. Fat-free is not recommended.
- Butter and sour cream: Bring both to room temperature so they blend easily into the hot pasta.
- Scallions: Use the white and green parts, discarding the roots. Substitute a little chopped fresh parsley or leave them out.
- Poppy seeds: These add a delicate crunch but are optional.

Find it online: https://www.framedcooks.com/pasta-buttered-sour-cream-bacon/