Introduction
This delightful pasta dish combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs with a creamy dressing, all nestled within tender corkscrew-shaped pasta. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal, this recipe is a wonderful blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to please any crowd.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 ounces corkscrew-shaped pasta
1/2 cup milk
12 ounces lean bacon
3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons chopped chives or scallion greens
5 heads Bibb lettuce, quartered, or 5 cups chopped romaine hearts
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
To prepare this dish, start cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with milk in a large bowl, setting it aside. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then drain and reserve a small amount of drippings.
Add the tomatoes, thyme, and garlic to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Crumble the bacon into bite-size pieces, mixing most of it with the tomato mixture and pasta. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chives with the pasta and season it to taste. Finally, fold in the lettuce and garnish with the saved bacon and extra chives. Serve this dish at room temperature for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and transfer it to a large bowl. While the pasta is still warm, toss it with 1/2 cup of milk to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Bacon and Tomato Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Discard all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet. In the same skillet, add the chopped tomatoes, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Toss these ingredients together and cook until they are warmed through. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish. Add the crumbled bacon and the warmed tomato mixture to the pasta and toss to combine.
Step 3: Mixing the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 3 tablespoons of chopped chives. Stir until well blended. Pour this mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 4: Adding Lettuce
Add the quartered Bibb lettuce or chopped romaine hearts to the pasta mixture. Gently toss again to ensure the lettuce is well incorporated with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chives. Serve the dish at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
Storage Tips
If not serving immediately, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb the dressing, so add a splash of milk or a little more mayonnaise before serving if it seems dry.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread, making it a satisfying main course or side dish.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Cook the corkscrew-shaped pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Cooking Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the lean bacon over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Sautéing Ingredients
In the same skillet used for the bacon, add chopped tomatoes, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Toss these ingredients until warmed through, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with milk. Then, add the sautéed tomato mixture and crumbled bacon, tossing everything together until evenly combined.
Making Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and chopped chives. Season the mixture with salt and pepper before adding it to the pasta mixture.
Incorporating Greens
Add quartered Bibb lettuce or chopped romaine hearts to the mixed pasta and dressing, tossing gently to coat the greens with the creamy mixture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for bacon?
You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon, pancetta, or a meat-free alternative for a vegetarian dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of bacon drippings for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and dressings in advance but recommend tossing in the lettuce right before serving for freshness.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Conclusion
This creamy pasta salad brings together the delightful flavors of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, offering a deliciously satisfying meal. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream adds richness, while the addition of lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. Perfect for parties or as a side dish, this recipe exemplifies how simple ingredients can create a flavorful and hearty dish enjoyed at room temperature.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Pasta Salad
Substitute bacon with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use a variety of herbs like basil and oregano for added flavor.
Classic Macaroni Salad
Use elbow macaroni instead of corkscrew pasta, and replace the tomatoes with diced cucumbers and sweet pickles. Add shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness.
Pasta Primavera
Enhance the dish with a medley of seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, peas, and bell peppers, tossed with olive oil and garlic for freshness.
Italian Pasta Salad
Incorporate Italian salami or pepperoni, black olives, and cubed mozzarella cheese. Dress with a zesty Italian vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad
Add grilled chicken breast to the pasta along with the bacon for a heartier version. Toss with a lemon-herb dressing for brightness.
