Pasta with Bacon Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Pasta with Bacon Tomato Sauce recipe! Featuring tender al dente pasta smothered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce, this dish gets a flavor-packed upgrade from crispy, thick-cut bacon and a hint of garlic. A touch of red chili flakes adds optional heat, while fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese bring a fragrant and creamy finish. Perfect for weeknights, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. Whether you're a pasta enthusiast or simply need a hearty meal idea, this recipe hits all the right notes—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and pure satisfaction. Perfect for keywords like "easy pasta recipes," "bacon tomato sauce," and "quick Italian dishes," this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams uncooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 200 grams bacon (thick-cut, diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
To the skillet with the bacon fat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
If using, add red chili flakes to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to incorporate into the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and give it a final toss.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2975 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.5 g | 162% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.8 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 181 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 6210 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.0 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.7 g | ||
| Protein | 129.5 g | 259% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 788 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2600 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
