Smoky Tomato Bacon Pasta

Indulge in the comforting, smoky flavors of this Smoky Tomato Bacon Pasta, a quick and satisfying dinner packed with bold ingredients and irresistible textures. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is coated in a velvety tomato-cream sauce infused with smoked paprika, crispy bacon, and a hint of chili for a subtle kick. The dish is elevated with fragrant garlic, savory parmesan cheese, and a garnish of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. With just 35 minutes from prep to table, this pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simplicity, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or an impressive meal for guests. Plus, the smoked bacon and paprika create a uniquely rich depth that will leave everyone craving more.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 200 g smoked bacon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 50 g parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti, then set it aside.

Step 2

Chop the smoked bacon into small pieces. Finely mince the garlic, and chop the fresh parsley for garnishing.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 7

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1205.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2625.4

Total Fat 164.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 364.5mg	0%
Sodium 6660.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 157.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 20.7g
Protein 119.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 653.0mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 2829.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 24.4%