Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely!

This recipe is versatile and works well with any long-strand pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini. Do you have a favorite type of pasta for this dish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What if I don't have fresh tomatoes?

Crushed tomatoes are a perfectly acceptable substitute.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and add additional chopped vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a meatless twist.

What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute another hard Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano or Romano.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying.

Tomato Bacon Pasta Recipe in 30-Minute

Description

This One-Pot Tomato Bacon Pasta is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a combination of crispy bacon, tangy tomatoes, and creamy sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini)
8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Crisp bacon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté onion & garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Simmer tomato sauce: Add diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
Combine & toss: Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce reaches desired consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Notes

Simmer Time: Simmering the sauce is crucial for deep flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme add a bright finish.
Customizations: For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Keywords: One-Pot Tomato Bacon Pasta, Quick Tomato Bacon Pasta, Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta, Easy Tomato Bacon Pasta, Weeknight Tomato Bacon Pasta, Tomato and Bacon Pasta, Pasta with Bacon and Tomato Sauce