Penne with Bacon and Tomatoes
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Penne with Bacon and Tomatoes recipe, a quick and satisfying pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich and savory sauce made with crispy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, this dish strikes the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and herby goodness. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, while fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese bring a burst of freshness and creamy richness to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is easy to whip up and ideal for serving a crowd of four. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small strips.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Mince the garlic cloves. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst.
Season the tomatoes with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix it into the tomato sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to combine.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1803 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.7 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 3870 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.2 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 78.6 g | 157% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 511 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 1702 mg | 36% | |
*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.
