tomato bacon pasta

How to Make Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta

Creamy bacon tomato pasta is a beloved dish that balances rich, savory flavors with a tangy tomato base. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to master it.

Ingredients:

- 400g spaghetti or fettuccine

- 200g bacon, diced

- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

- Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente (per package instructions), then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Crisp the Bacon: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove excess grease, leaving 1 tbsp.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, sautéing until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in tomatoes, simmering for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until creamy.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy hot!

This versatile dish can be customized with spinach or mushrooms for extra texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!