Bacon Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe

Hey there, pasta lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that never fails to bring smiles around my dinner table: Bacon Tomato Sauce Pasta. There’s something magical about the way crispy bacon combines with the tangy sweetness of a homemade tomato sauce, enveloping every strand of pasta in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet flavor.

What Is Bacon Tomato Sauce Pasta?

Bacon tomato sauce pasta” typically refers to a pasta dish where the main components include pasta (such as spaghetti or penne), a sauce made primarily from tomatoes (often with garlic, onions, and herbs), and bacon.

Ingredients:

For The Pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, rigatoni)
• Salt for cooking the pasta

For The Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4-5 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of sugar (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, minus 2 minutes. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce later. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
   
2. Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
   
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onion to the pan with the remaining bacon fat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
   
4. Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
   
5. Finish the Pasta: Once the sauce has simmered and the pasta is almost cooked, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water (you can add more gradually if the sauce seems too thick). Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat evenly.
   
6. Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
   

Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and good quality bacon will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce. By reserving some pasta water, you can adjust the consistency of the sauce to create a creamy texture.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• For a richer sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What To Serve With

Light And Refreshing:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula cuts through the richness of the bacon tomato sauce pasta dish, while the lemon vinaigrette adds a welcome touch of acidity.
• Grilled Asparagus with Olive Oil and Lemon: Simple and elegant, grilled asparagus adds a pop of green color and a slightly sweet flavor to the meal.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil offer a burst of Italian flavor alongside the bacon tomato sauce pasta.

Hearty And Comforting:

• Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is a match made in heaven for any tomato sauce-based pasta dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice contrast to the savory pasta.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and filling side dish that complements the richness of the bacon tomato sauce.

Fresh And Flavorful:

• Summertime Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad, such as a combination of berries, melon, and grapes, provides a sweet and healthy counterpoint to the savory pasta.
• Sautéed Greens: Sauteed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard adds a dose of vitamins and minerals to the meal.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish for bacon tomato sauce pasta.

Considering The Occasion:

• For a casual weeknight meal: Pair the pasta with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• For a more formal dinner party: Impress your guests with a Caprese salad or creamy mashed potatoes.
• For a summer barbecue: Opt for a refreshing side dish like a fruit salad or grilled corn on the cob.
• Don’t forget the bread! A crusty baguette or focaccia bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Health Benefits

• Protein Source: Bacon provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal, which can prevent overeating.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes, which are the base of the sauce, are rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins like folate. They also contain minerals like potassium, which is crucial for heart health and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
• Antioxidants: Tomatoes are particularly known for their high content of antioxidants, such as lycopene. Lycopene is linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes, as in a tomato sauce, actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb.
• Healthy Fats: While bacon is often considered high in saturated fats, it can still contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It provides necessary fats that support brain function, hormone production, and overall cell health.
• Fiber: Depending on the type of pasta used (whole wheat or regular), the dish can provide a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Moderate Caloric Content: While not necessarily a low-calorie dish, bacon tomato sauce pasta can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when portion sizes are managed. It can provide sustained energy due to its combination of complex carbohydrates from pasta and fats from bacon.
• Satiety: The combination of protein from bacon and fiber from pasta and tomatoes can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, which can prevent excessive snacking or overeating later on.
• Versatility and Nutrient Density: This dish can be easily customized with additional vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers) to boost its nutrient density further. These additions can add vitamins, minerals, and additional fiber to the meal.

Final Thoughts

next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, give this bacon tomato sauce pasta a try. With a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish that your family will love. Don’t forget to experiment with different side dishes and garnishes to create your own perfect version of this classic comfort food.

More Pasta Recipes:

• CREAMY MOREL PASTA RECIPE

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