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Bacon Tomato Pasta

A savory, comforting pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a luscious sauce. This easy meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or frying pan for cooking bacon and sauce
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Colander
  • Mixing spoon or tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340g spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 6 oz 170g bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth optional for deglazing
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated (plus more for serving)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil if needed
  • 1 tbsp butter optional for added richness

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Cook the bacon:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan (drain excess if necessary).
  • Sauté aromatics:
  • Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Cook the tomatoes:
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and cook for 5-7 minutes, gently breaking them down to form a sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Deglaze (optional):
  • If using white wine or chicken broth, pour it into the skillet and scrape the bottom to release any brown bits, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
  • Combine pasta and sauce:
  • Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
  • Finish and serve:
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Non-vegetarian
  • Keywords:
  • Bacon tomato pasta, easy weeknight pasta, tomato basil pasta, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe
  • Nutrition (per serving):
  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: ~450-500 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • (Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on brands used.)

Notes

For a richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream before serving.
Substitute pancetta for bacon for an authentic Italian touch.
Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your flavorful bacon tomato pasta! 🍝
Keyword Bacon tomato pasta, easy weeknight pasta, tomato basil pasta, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe