Introduction
This delightful spaghetti dish combines the savory flavors of bacon, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, creating a rich and satisfying sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this meal in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
160 g (5 oz) spaghetti or other long-strand pasta of choice
1 tsp olive oil (or butter)
150–180 g (5–6 oz) bacon, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 onion, finely diced (brown, white, or yellow)
400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of sugar, if needed
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences. Enjoy this comforting meal, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of flavor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Boil Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes to keep it slightly undercooked.
Step 3: Cook Bacon and Aromatics
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the bacon turns golden. If desired, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Add Pasta Water
Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Pour this into the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Stir and scrape the skillet to incorporate any browned bits into the liquid.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes
Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-high.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta, or if timed correctly, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot into the skillet.
Step 7: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Gently toss the pasta in the sauce using two wooden spoons for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce clings to the pasta and is no longer pooling in the skillet. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
Step 8: Season
Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the bacon adds saltiness.
Step 9: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Preparation
Ensure all ingredients are chopped and measured before starting to cook.
Pasta Cooking
Cooking the pasta slightly underdone allows it to absorb some sauce while tossing.
Bacon Fat
Draining excess fat is optional; it can add flavor to the dish.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
Use the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Garnishing
Fresh herbs and a drizzle of good quality olive oil enhance the final presentation and flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparing Ingredients
Prepare all your ingredients in advance, including dicing the bacon, mincing the garlic, and finely dicing the onion. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is ready when you need it.
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to achieve a slightly undercooked texture, which will allow it to further cook in the sauce.
Sautéing Bacon and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. First, add the diced bacon and cook it until golden, then add the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
Incorporating Cooking Water
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Adding this reserved water to the skillet helps to deglaze it, picking up flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet and balancing the sauce’s consistency.
Simmering Sauce
Once the bacon and vegetables are ready, add the canned crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tossing Pasta with Sauce
Gently toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce using two wooden spoons. Ensure the sauce thoroughly clings to the pasta, adding reserved cooking water if the mixture thickens too much.
Seasoning
After combining the pasta and sauce, season with salt and pepper. Remember that bacon contributes saltiness, so taste before adding more.
Garnishing
Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any long-strand pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free options.
What can I substitute for bacon?
You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon, pancetta, or smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and consider adding mushrooms or lentils for a savory flavor, along with using vegetable broth instead of bacon fat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra water or olive oil.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta dish. However, it’s best to leave out the parsley and extra virgin olive oil until serving to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
This delicious spaghetti dish combines the savory flavors of bacon, garlic, and onion with the richness of crushed tomatoes, resulting in a comforting meal that is both hearty and flavorful. The simple preparation and quick cooking time make it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Enjoy it with a garnish of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
For a quick and simple meal, try spaghetti aglio e olio by sautéing garlic in olive oil and tossing it with cooked spaghetti, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Pasta Primavera
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and peas for a fresh pasta primavera. Sauté the veggies with garlic and olive oil before adding them to your pasta.
Carbonara
For a creamy variation, make carbonara by whisking together eggs and Parmesan cheese, then tossing them with hot pasta and crispy bacon to create a rich sauce.
Pasta Puttanesca
Add depth to your pasta by making puttanesca with olives, capers, and anchovies, giving a bold, savory note to your dish.
Tomato Basil Pasta
For a lighter option, toss your pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a refreshing tomato basil pasta that highlights fresh ingredients.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Pair your spaghetti with hearty meatballs made of ground meat and herbs for a classic dish that never goes out of style. Serve with marinara sauce and grated cheese.
Spaghetti with Spinach and Ricotta
For a creamy and nutritious twist, mix in ricotta cheese and sautéed spinach into your pasta for a comforting yet healthy meal.
