Name: Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 4 strips thick-cut bacon; 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup tomato paste (double concentrated); 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 small handful fresh basil (sliced thin); Salt & pepper (to taste)

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There’s something incredibly inviting about the aroma of crispy bacon mingling with the rich, comforting smell of a creamy tomato sauce bubbling away on the stove. You can almost feel the warmth wafting through your kitchen, encouraging you to sneak a taste even before dinner is served. This Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with each tempting bite, all while boasting a little kick of heat that brings everything to life.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta

I can’t help but think back to my childhood when my family would gather around the dining table for meals that ignited laughter and love—all brought together by simple yet delicious flavors. Fast forward to today, when I want nothing more than to recreate those cozy moments. This pasta dish is not only easy to whip up, but the combination of creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice makes it feel just a little special, perfect for any evening. So let’s get cooking, shall we? You’ll want to experience the magic of Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can make this pasta in just 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of creamy tomato, salty bacon, and fresh basil is utterly mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of this dish are just as delightful as its taste—serving it up feels like a celebration!
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this pasta suits any occasion perfectly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to adjust the recipe by using gluten-free pasta, or even lighten up with half-and-half for the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces uncooked pasta: Any pasta type works, but I personally love fettuccine or penne for their ability to hold onto sauce.
4 strips thick-cut bacon: This gives a robust flavor and crispy texture; turkey bacon or pancetta are excellent alternatives if you prefer.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): A must for sautéing; it adds depth to the sauce. Shallots can be substituted for a milder taste.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile; feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch.
1/4 cup dry white wine: This adds acidity and brightness to the sauce—boil down the alcohol to avoid overwhelming flavors.
1/4 cup tomato paste (double concentrated): Provides a bold tomato base; canned crushed tomatoes can work if you prefer a chunkier texture.
1 cup heavy/whipping cream: This is essential for achieving that luscious creaminess. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor—homemade blends work too!
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste): Adjust the heat according to your preference; feel free to leave it out or add more!
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that perfects the sauce. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
1 small handful fresh basil (sliced thin): Fresh herbs add brightness; dried basil can be used, but fresh is always best.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning; taste as you go for the best results.

How to Make Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your uncooked pasta and cook it al dente according to the package instructions—generally around 8-10 minutes. This ensures your pasta has the right bite to complement the creamy sauce. Save about a cup of pasta water just before draining, as it may help adjust the sauce’s thickness later!

Cook the Bacon: While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and cut the bacon into small pieces—scissors work wonders for this! Add the bacon to the skillet over medium-high heat, cooking until crispy and golden, around 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.

Sauté the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The bacon fat will help infuse the onion with a savory richness that offers a fantastic base for the sauce.

Add the Garlic and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for only 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the dry white wine, scrapping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to bubble without stirring for a half a minute, so the alcohol cooks off and enhances the sauce’s depth.

Combine Your Sauce: Now it’s time to up the flavor game! Add the tomato paste, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together until smooth and combined; let it cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce thickens and starts to cling to the back of a spoon, emitting a rich and inviting aroma.

Return the Bacon and Toss with Basil: Gently fold in the crispy bacon pieces and sliced fresh basil into the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese for an irresistible creaminess. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Finally, drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the skillet, tossing it to coat every piece in the heavenly sauce. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to your taste, adjusting as necessary. Serve it up immediately while it’s piping hot for the best experience!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta, let it cool fully at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Keep in mind that texture may shift slightly, but a splash of cream or pasta water can refresh it wonderfully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Check your pasta frequently to ensure it doesn’t overcook; remember, it should still maintain a slight bite!
For a richer flavor, use high-quality bacon that’s well-cured and thick-cut.
If you find your sauce too thin, let it simmer without stirring for a few minutes until it thickens.
To avoid soggy pasta, don’t rinse it after draining, as this washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling.
Make ahead by preparing the sauce in advance and simply reheating it when it’s time to eat.

There’s just something about Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta that brings comfort and joy to any meal. All the delicious flavors entwine in perfect harmony inviting you to savor every mouthful. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your spin on it, I encourage you to experiment and make this dish your own. Savor every bite and enjoy the warmth that comes from cooking something truly special!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish without bacon?

Absolutely! You can swap in sautéed mushrooms or even roasted vegetables for a delightful, meatless version. Try using smoked paprika for that bacon-like flavor without the pork!

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

You can easily adjust the heat by cutting back on the crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer, adding a touch of sugar can help balance the heat without losing any flavor.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Of course! To make this pasta dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of white wine. You’ll still enjoy a deliciously creamy tomato sauce that’s full of flavor!

What’s the best way to serve this pasta?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad to round out the meal beautifully! Don’t forget the extra parmesan on top for that finishing touch!