Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the rich, tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes, all nestled in a creamy Parmesan sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Penne Pasta with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 4 slices of bacon (chopped), 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the cream and sun-dried tomato mixture. Toss to combine, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add more cheese for a creamier texture.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Penne Pasta with Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomato!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every single pasta piece perfectly.
- Cook bacon until it's truly crispy for maximum flavor and texture. Use a slotted spoon to drain excess fat, but keep just enough to add richness to your sauce.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - low and slow prevents burning and releases the most incredible aroma.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh cracked black pepper when seasoning.
- Fresh basil is not optional - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cream and bacon.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature. Pasta waits for no one!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
