Penne Noodles with Tomatoes Cheese and Bacon
Savor the irresistible flavors of Penne Noodles with Tomatoes, Cheese, and Bacon—a quick and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, creating a vibrant and flavorful base. The dish is elevated with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. A hint of optional chili flakes adds a touch of heat, while the recipe's simple steps make it approachable for even beginner cooks. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for pasta lovers looking to indulge in comfort food with a gourmet touch. Serve it hot, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch! Keywords: penne with bacon, easy pasta recipe, cheesy tomato pasta, quick dinner ideas, basil and garlic pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 6 bacon slices
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small strips. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the olive oil and finely minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly in the tomato mixture. If the sauce seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta in the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.
Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces and mix them into the pasta.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
385 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.7 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1064 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.9 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 293 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 312 mg | 7% | |
*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.
