This bacon tomato pasta is simply brimming with flavor and couldn’t be easier to make. With crispy bits of bacon and a rich tomato sauce, it’s going to become an absolute favorite easy dinner in your home.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
8 ounces long pasta
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and fry the bacon for 2-3 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 oz bacon strips
Add the shallot and garlic and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the shallot becomes translucent.
1 medium shallot
2 large garlic cloves
Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme and red chili flakes and cook for another minute, stirring often.
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Pour in the dry white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the liquid reduces.
⅓ cup dry white wine
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to combine with the sauce. Use some of the reserved pasta water if it gets too thick.
Stir in the grated Parmesan, then adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Serve immediately, with some extra freshly grated Parmesan on top if you like.
Video
Notes
The bacon and Parmesan both bring quite a bit of saltiness to the sauce, so only add extra salt at the end.
Add a pinch of sugar with the crushed tomatoes if you think the brand you’re using is too acidic.