Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later, and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add 6 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, allowing the grease to remain in the skillet for added flavor in the sauce.

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook them for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until they are tender and have released their moisture. Afterward, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant. Remove the cooked mushrooms and garlic from the skillet, placing them on the plate with bacon.

Still in the skillet, combine 1/3 cup of chicken broth or dry white wine, 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute to thicken slightly. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for approximately 2 minutes until it thickens gently.

Return the crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce in the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let everything heat through for another minute. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it by mixing in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Taste the Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the pasta warm, garnishing with optional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy evening or impressing guests with its rich and satisfying taste.