Tomato and Bacon Pasta

Indulge in the bold and comforting flavors of Tomato and Bacon Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. This recipe combines crispy, smoky bacon with juicy cherry tomatoes, sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil base to create a vibrant and savory sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. Fresh basil adds a delightful herbal note, while grated Parmesan cheese elevates every bite with its creamy, salty richness. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy-to-make pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser bursting with Italian-inspired flair. Serve it warm, and don’t forget to customize with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 200 grams Bacon
• 300 grams Cherry tomatoes (or diced canned tomatoes)
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 10 pieces Fresh basil leaves
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, dice the bacon into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 4

Add the olive oil to the skillet with the rendered bacon fat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, forming a sauce.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix it into the tomato sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8

Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pasta. Toss to combine.

Step 9

Serve the pasta immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	999.6 grams (999.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2104

Total Fat 116.70g	150%
Saturated Fat 37.90g	190%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.90g
Cholesterol 238mg	79%
Sodium 6501mg	283%
Total Carbohydrate 144.90g	53%
Dietary Fiber 11.90g	43%
Total Sugars 10.10g
Protein 113.60g	227%

Vitamin D 32IU	160%
Calcium 660mg	51%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 2016mg	43%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.4%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 27.8%