Tomato Bacon Pasta Recipe: A Quick and Easy Family Dinner
This Tomato Bacon Pasta is an incredibly simple recipe, especially if you’re a fan of tomatoes, bacon, and fresh vegetables. It’s designed to create a delicious and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a cozy date night, this pasta dish is a versatile and satisfying choice.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its adaptability. You can follow the recipe exactly as it’s written for a super simple preparation, or you can elevate it with fresh tomatoes and crispy bacon. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility; you can easily customize it to your taste preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. I personally prefer keeping it simple because I can always have the necessary ingredients stocked in my pantry, making it a go-to option for a last-minute dinner.
Once you’ve tried this bacon tomato pasta recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect pasta dish to make for the entire family, providing a balanced and flavorful meal that caters to various palates. Alternatively, it’s equally suitable for a relaxed and intimate date night in, offering a comforting and satisfying dining experience without the need for elaborate preparations.
Ingredients for Tomato Bacon Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing Tomato Bacon Pasta. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, utilizing common pantry staples along with a few fresh components to bring the dish to life. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to get started:
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables and providing a rich base flavor for the sauce.
- Fresh Zucchini: Adds a healthy and slightly sweet element to the pasta. Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and enjoyment.
- Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. These spices work together to create a savory and aromatic flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your personal preferences.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: Canned petite diced tomatoes are a convenient and flavorful option. They provide the perfect texture and acidity for the sauce. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but canned ones offer consistency and ease.
- Bacon Bits: For simplicity, pre-cooked real bacon bits from the salad aisle are used. These add a smoky and savory crunch to the dish. Alternatively, you can cook and crumble your own bacon for a fresher taste.
- Penne Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe due to its shape, which effectively captures the sauce in its ridges. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
How to Make Tomato Bacon Pasta
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delightful Tomato Bacon Pasta. The process is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, as this will help season the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, strain it thoroughly and set it aside. A quick tip: reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the zucchini. Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini, then cut it into half-moon pieces. The size of the pieces should be uniform to ensure even cooking.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later on. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly golden brown. This process enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini and adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Now, stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the zucchini evenly with the spices. Add the petite diced tomatoes and bacon bits to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a cohesive and delicious sauce.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine it thoroughly with the tomato bacon sauce. Ensure every strand of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Tomato Bacon Pasta
One of the great things about this Tomato Bacon Pasta is that it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day! Proper storage is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. Here’s how to store your leftovers effectively:
Refrigeration: After you’ve enjoyed your meal, allow the leftover pasta to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Store the container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help restore its moisture.
Freezing: While I typically don’t recommend freezing this particular recipe, it is possible with a few precautions. If you plan to freeze the pasta, make sure to cook it only to al dente. Overcooked pasta tends to become mushy after thawing. Additionally, if you’re making the noodles in advance specifically for freezing, be sure to rinse the cooked pasta in cold water to halt the cooking process. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together and maintains their texture.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Tomato Pasta
To ensure your Tomato Bacon Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Creamy Pasta Sauce Variation
If you’re in the mood for a creamier version of this pasta dish, it’s easy to adapt. Combine heavy cream and tomato paste with a splash of the pasta cooking water to create a luscious cream sauce. The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. This simple addition transforms the dish into a creamy delight that’s sure to impress.
Choosing the Right Bacon
To keep this recipe streamlined and simple, I often use a bag of pre-cooked bacon bits. However, feel free to use your preferred type of bacon. Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative, and cooking your own bacon from scratch will always provide the freshest and most flavorful result. Just make sure to cook the bacon until crispy and then chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the dish.
Selecting the Best Tomatoes
I find canned petite diced tomatoes to be incredibly convenient for this recipe. They are easy to use and the juice inside the can adds to the sauce’s overall flavor and consistency. However, if you prefer a fresher taste, you can certainly use fresh juicy tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are excellent choices, offering a burst of sweetness and flavor. Simply halve or quarter them before adding them to the skillet.
Delicious Topping Ideas
Adding toppings is a great way to enhance the flavor and presentation of your Tomato Bacon Pasta. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a vibrant and aromatic touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty and savory finish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a hint of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes
If you enjoyed this Tomato Bacon Pasta, you might also like these other fantastic pasta recipes:
Veggie Pasta: A healthy and colorful pasta dish packed with your favorite vegetables.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A fun and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich.
Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad: A delicious and crowd-pleasing pasta salad with all the flavors of pizza.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A creamy and comforting pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Tomato Bacon Pasta
Julia Pacheco
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes