Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

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If you are craving a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, then this Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, fragrant garlic, and sweet onion. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of savory, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet notes that come together in a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends. This recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s just that delicious and wonderfully easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making the magic happen with minimal fuss. Each element plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta dish so satisfying.

• 160 g / 5 oz spaghetti or other long strand pasta: Choose your favorite pasta to catch every bit of sauce and deliver that perfect bite.
• 1 tsp olive oil (or butter): Adds a subtle richness for sautéing and helps bring out the flavors of the bacon and vegetables.
• 150 – 180 g / 5 – 6 oz diced bacon: The star of the dish, delivering smokiness and a satisfying crisp texture.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Injects aromatic depth and a gentle bite without overpowering.
• 1/2 onion, finely diced (any variety): Adds a natural sweetness and a tender crunch to balance the bacon’s saltiness.
• 400 g / 14 oz canned crushed tomato: Creates the vibrant and tangy tomato sauce base that’s perfectly seasoned and cooked down.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the dish.
• Pinch of sugar (optional): Helps tame the acidity of the tomato sauce if it tastes too sharp.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A finishing drizzle for added silkiness and a fresh, fruity aroma.
• Finely chopped parsley: Adds a pop of green freshness and a mild herbaceous note to brighten the whole plate.

How to Make Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Everything Before You Start

Having all your ingredients lined up and ready to go on the countertop is a game changer. This way, you can move quickly through each step without scrambling or burning the bacon. Great prep leads to great results!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Get a large pot of water boiling with a pinch of salt, then add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions but remember to take it off the heat two minutes earlier than recommended. This way, your pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up even more flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Toss in the diced bacon and let it render fat and crisp up for about one minute. Then add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking together for around three minutes until the onion looks transparent and the bacon has turned a lovely golden brown. If the pan feels too greasy, feel free to drain some of the excess fat, but keep enough for flavor.

Step 4: Build Your Sauce with Pasta Water

Before draining your pasta, scoop out a mug of the starchy cooking water — this is pure magic for your sauce! Pour about half a cup of it into the skillet with the bacon and veggies and bring to a simmer. Stir well, scraping the pan to dissolve all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step is a secret flavor booster that really makes your sauce sing.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture back up to a simmer. Let it cook for about two minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-high to gently thicken the sauce while intensifying its flavor.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

If your timing is right, use tongs to transfer the pasta straight from the pot into the skillet with the sauce— no draining needed! This helps the sauce cling perfectly to the strands. If you’ve already drained it, don’t worry; just add the pasta into the skillet.

Step 7: Toss Gently to Coat

Using two wooden spoons, toss the pasta gently for about two minutes until the sauce is no longer sitting in the skillet but beautifully coating every strand. If the sauce thickens too much, add an extra splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right.

Step 8: Season and Finish

Now is the time to taste and season your Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe with salt and pepper. Remember, the bacon adds some saltiness, so proceed carefully here. Once perfectly seasoned, it’s ready for serving.

Step 9: Serve Immediately with Tasty Toppings

Plate your pasta and finish off with a hearty sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a scattering of finely chopped parsley, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for that luxurious finish. Enjoy this comforting dish piping hot!

How to Serve Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and Parmesan take the dish to the next level, adding layers of freshness and savory richness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end gives the sauce a beautiful shine and silky texture. You can also add cracked black pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick if you like things a little spicy.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is another classic companion, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens also bring balance and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner party touch, serve your bacon pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. For a rustic look, plate it family-style in a large pasta bowl with a big cheese grater nearby for guests to add their own Parmesan. The beauty of this Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe is that it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld nicely, though the pasta might absorb some of the sauce over time.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, though note that the texture of the pasta may soften somewhat upon freezing.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra virgin olive oil to revive the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works too but watch the time carefully to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for coating with the tomato sauce, feel free to experiment with other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne for a different texture experience.

What can I substitute for bacon?

If you want to skip or reduce pork, try pancetta for a similar flavor or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Smoked paprika can also add that smoky punch to the tomato sauce.

Why do you add pasta water to the sauce?

Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta, making every bite glossy and flavorful. It also helps to loosen a sauce that’s become too thick while cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of red chili flakes when cooking the garlic and onions or sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper just before serving to give the dish a pleasant heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this recipe reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners. Just store separately if possible to keep the pasta from soaking up too much sauce before reheating.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you fall in love with this Bacon Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe as much as I have. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and full of soul. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, this pasta will become your go-to comfort food in no time. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—it’s time to enjoy some seriously good food!

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