Bacon Tomato Pasta
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
750 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Bacon Tomato Pasta
Description
Cooking begins with boiling salted water to prepare pasta until nearly al dente. Meanwhile, diced bacon is rendered in olive oil until starting to crisp, then onions are cooked until translucent, followed by garlic for aromatic depth. Crushed canned tomatoes are added, along with sugar to offset acidity, dried Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt, simmering gently to meld flavors.
Once pasta is drained (reserving some cooking water), it is combined with the sauce, and a small amount of pasta water is stirred in to help the sauce cling to pasta strands and achieve a cohesive texture. Tossing gently over medium heat helps integrate the flavors and finish cooking.
The resulting pasta offers a smoky depth from the bacon combined with the richness of tomatoes and savory seasonings. It can be served simply or with shredded Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for contrast and added flavor layers. The recipe suits versatile pasta shapes, and the bacon can be smoked or turkey for different taste profiles.
Using brown onion or alternatives offers subtle flavor variations, and the sugar balances the canned tomato’s acidity for a smoother taste. Garlic quantity can be adjusted to preference.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 oz pasta -see note 1
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz Bacon see note 2, diced
- 1 onion see note 3, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic see note 4, finely chopped
- 14 oz crushed tomato canned
- ½ teaspoon sugar - see note 5
- ¼ teaspoon italian herb blend dried
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- Parmesan Cheese shredded
- parsley fresh
Instructions
To cook the pasta
- Bring a large pan of water to the bowl. Add the salt and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet suggests.1 tbsp salt12 oz / 340 g pasta
- When cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
While the pasta water is coming to a boil
- Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes; reduce the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook for 3 minutes.1 tbsp olive oil12 oz / 340 g bacon, diced1 onion, finely chopped
- Add the chopped garlic and stir around for 30 seconds. Then add the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well.3 cloves garlic, finely chopped14 oz / 400 g canned crushed tomato
- Add in the seasonings and turn the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.½ tsp sugar¼ tsp dried Italian herbs¼ tsp black pepper¼ tsp salt
Finish the dish
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce over medium heat for a minute until the pasta is thoroughly coated and combined with the sauce. Add more pasta cooking water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Serve immediately, garnished with shredded parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Shredded parmesan Fresh parsley
Notes
- Choose spaghetti or linguine for a traditional fit, but any pasta shape works with this sauce.
- Smoked bacon adds robust flavor, but turkey bacon can be used for a lighter taste.
- Brown, red, white, or yellow onions can be substituted based on preference or availability.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference, as it impacts the overall aroma and depth.
- Sugar balances acidity from canned tomatoes, important for a smoother sauce in this quick recipe.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 750 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 750kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 617mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 701mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 249IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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