Bacon Pasta with tomato pasta sauce
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
567 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Bacon Pasta with tomato pasta sauce
Description
"Bacon Pasta with tomato pasta sauce" features a sauce made by sautéing diced bacon until golden, then cooking minced garlic and diced onion until translucent. A splash of reserved pasta water dissolves browned bits from the pan, enriching the sauce before crushed canned tomatoes are added and simmered briefly. The resulting sauce combines smoky, umami notes from the bacon with the acidity and sweetness of the tomato.
Pasta is cooked al dente and either drained or transferred directly to the sauce pan, where it is gently tossed to evenly coat each strand. Black pepper and salt season the dish, while a small pinch of sugar can be added depending on the sweetness level of the canned tomatoes used. Chopped parsley sprinkled before serving brings a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
This pasta dish works well as a hearty meal with balanced smoky and tangy elements. The use of bacon adds richness, while the tomato sauce adds moisture and brightness. The instructions suggest using quality canned tomatoes to minimize the need for sugar and that portion sizes allow for generous servings. A large skillet or wok is recommended to handle the pasta and sauce comfortably without overfilling.
Switching to leaner bacon alternatives can reduce calories without compromising too much on flavor. The recipe focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward methods to integrate classic bacon and tomato flavors into pasta.
Ingredients
- 160 g / 5 oz spaghetti or other long strand pasta of choice
- 1 tsp olive oil (or butter)
- 150 - 180 g / 5 - 6 oz Bacon , diced
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 1/2 onion , finely diced (brown, white, yellow)
- 400 g / 14 oz crushed tomato canned
- salt
- black pepper
- sugar if needed (Note 1, pinch of
- extra virgin olive oil
- parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Have the ingredients lined up and ready to start cooking at the same time.
- Bring a large pot of water to the bowl. Add a pinch of salt. Cook pasta according to packet but MINUS 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add bacon and cook for 1 minute, then add garlic and onion and cook for 3 minutes or until onion is translucent and bacon is golden. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water, then pour about 1/2 cup into the skillet. Bring to simmer and stir, scraping the skillet to dissolve in all the golden bits stuck on the pan into the liquid.
- Add tomato, bring to simmer and cook for 2 minutes, then turn down to medium high.
- Drain pasta, or if you timed it right, use tongs to transfer it straight from the pot into the skillet.
- Toss gently using two wooden spoons for 2 minutes, or until the sauce is no longer sitting in the skillet, it's all on the pasta (see video). If it gets too thick, just add an extra splash of the pasta cooking water.
- Season with salt and pepper (remember bacon is salty!).
- Serve immediately, garnished with parmesan, parsley and final drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- A pinch of sugar can reduce acidity depending on the canned tomatoes' sweetness.
- Use about 80g (2.5 oz) pasta per person; the sauce quantity accommodates up to 100g (3.5 oz) pasta per serving.
- When scaling up the recipe, use a large skillet or wok to comfortably mix pasta and sauce.
- Substitute turkey bacon, ham, or lean bacon to reduce calories by about 100 per serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 567 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 567cal | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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