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Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta gets richness from bacon fat and a nice kick from red pepper flakes that cuts through all that cream. Ready in 30 minutes with ingredients you probably have on hand.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~6 servings)

  • 12 oz uncooked pasta
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste double concentrated
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 handful fresh basil sliced thin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Boil salted water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
  • Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, 6-8 minutes.
  • Transfer bacon to paper towel lined plate and leave 2 Tbsp bacon fat in pan.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cook chopped onion in bacon fat until softened, 5-7 minutes.
  • Add garlic and white wine, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato paste, cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  • Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir cooked bacon and basil into sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
  • Drain pasta and add to skillet, tossing to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water before draining.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!