Spicy Tomato and Bacon Pasta

Indulge in the bold flavors of this Spicy Tomato and Bacon Pasta, a crowd-pleasing dish that combines smoky, crispy bacon with a fiery tomato sauce infused with red chili flakes, garlic, and fragrant fresh basil. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in the rich, tangy sauce, allowing it to soak up every savory note. A hint of sweetness from sugar balances the acidity of diced tomatoes, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy yet sophisticated recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining. Serve it hot, garnished with extra basil for a pop of freshness, and watch it become your go-to comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 200 g smoked bacon (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 400 g canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 10 g fresh basil leaves (chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• 3 L water (for boiling pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir in the cooked bacon and chopped fresh basil.

Step 6

Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until it is evenly coated. Allow it to cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4158.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2411.5

Total Fat 142.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 268mg	0%
Sodium 14073.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 156.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.9g	0%
Total Sugars 24.9g
Protein 122.0g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 781.8mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 2578.5mg	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: 53.5%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 26.1%