Craving a mouthwatering pasta dish that's quick, easy, and packed with incredible flavors? Look no further! This Bow Ties with Bacon, Onion, and Tomato recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and juicy tomatoes dancing with perfectly cooked bow tie pasta – it's a culinary symphony that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp and golden brown, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon pieces from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, add diced onions. Sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes to the onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Return pasta to the pot and add the bacon, onion, and tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to help ingredients adhere.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Save a bit of pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- For extra crispiness, cook the bacon until it's golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, but canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and a luxurious finish.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or drain most of the bacon fat before cooking onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
