Tomato Bacon Pomodoro

Savor the irresistible flavors of Tomato Bacon Pomodoro, a quick and satisfying pasta dish that combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the vibrant sweetness of cherry tomatoes in a garlic-infused sauce. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti and enriched with a touch of spice from red chili flakes, this recipe is elevated by the addition of fresh basil and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, this one-pan wonder is a harmonious blend of bold, comforting Italian-inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 200 grams bacon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 units garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 500 grams cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 10 units fresh basil leaves
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 4

Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease, followed by the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the sauce to thicken.

Step 6

Pour in the reserved pasta water, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and gently combine.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1537.4 grams (1537.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2324

Total Fat 135.50g	174%
Saturated Fat 43.00g	215%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.20g
Cholesterol 258mg	86%
Sodium 6802mg	296%
Total Carbohydrate 159.20g	58%
Dietary Fiber 17.10g	61%
Total Sugars 20.80g
Protein 123.30g	247%

Vitamin D 32IU	160%
Calcium 902mg	69%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2925mg	62%

*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: 51.9%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 27.1%