This Tomato Bacon Pasta recipe is the perfect quick and easy pasta recipe . With smoky bacon, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this classic Italian favourite is ready in under an hour.
You'll also love my easy chorizo pasta, spinach and ricotta pasta, creamy kale pasta, and creamy roasted tomato pasta.
Jump to:
⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Rich Flavour: The combination of smoked bacon lardons and tomato paste creates a deep, savoury base.
- Creamy Texture: The rendered bacon fat adds a creamy richness to the sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like passata or chopped tomatoes, making it easy to prepare any time.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced Seasoning: The use of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce has the perfect consistency and seasoning.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the ingredients.
- Smoked Bacon Lardons: Provide a smoky, savory flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a pungent, aromatic quality.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Passata or Chopped Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, adding freshness and acidity.
- Spaghetti: The vehicle for the sauce, providing a satisfying bite.
- Grana Padano or Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami finish.
- Chopped Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich sauce.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Tomato Bacon Pasta recipe step-by-step
- Cook the Pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the spaghetti. Drain, reserving about 250 ml of the pasta water.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a heavy-based saucepan or high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the smoked bacon lardons and cook for 8-10 minutes until the fat renders out and the lardons turn golden.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic with about a teaspoon of salt. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the passata or chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls and top with grated Grana Padano and chopped parsley. Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper.
📖 Variations
- Pasta: Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Tomato Base: Use crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes instead of passata.
- Herbs: Add basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
- Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead of Grana Padano or Parmesan.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water; its starch content helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente; it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Layering Flavours: Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
- Butter Finish: Add a small knob of butter at the end of cooking the sauce for extra richness and a silky texture.
- Salt Control: Be cautious with salt; bacon and cheese add saltiness. Adjust at the end of cooking.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled bacon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, and heat until warmed through.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, use turkey bacon and whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil if it needs to sit before combining with the sauce to prevent sticking.
Looking for other easy pasta recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried this Tomato Bacon Pasta please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!
For more recipe ideas, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and join our exclusive Facebook group.
For meal planning assistance, check out our weekly Aldi-only meal plans, free for subscribers.
Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.
Quick And Easy Tomato Bacon Pasta
This classic Amatriciana recipe combines smoky bacon lardons with a rich tomato sauce, creating a simple yet flavourful dish perfect for any occasion. Ready in just under an hour, it's an ideal choice for a comforting meal.
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 30 ml olive oil
- 200 g smoked bacon lardons
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 45 ml (3 tablespoon) tomato paste
- 500 g (17 oz) passata or 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 400 g (1 lb) spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
For Serving:
- Grana Padano or Parmesan, grated
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the spaghetti. Drain, reserving about 250 ml of the pasta water.
Prepare the sauce:
- In a heavy-based saucepan or high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the smoked bacon lardons and cook for 8-10 minutes until the fat renders out and the lardons turn golden.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic with about a teaspoon of salt. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the passata or chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls and top with grated Grana Padano and chopped parsley. Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water is crucial as it helps to adjust the sauce's thickness, ensuring it perfectly coats the spaghetti.
- Using smoked bacon lardons adds depth to the flavor, but regular pancetta can be substituted if preferred.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.
Nutrition
Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 469mg | Potassium: 1034mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 842IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Tag Me @savvybites or tag #savvybites!
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
Tya
Such a great recipe! Quick and easy and everyone loved it!
Deborah Rainford
So happy you loved it. And thank you so much for leaving a comment and a rating. It's so appreciated! 🙂