Bacon-Tomato Angel Hair
A quick, flavorful pasta dish combining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings.
- Return bacon and drippings to skillet. Add green onion and garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Add tomato mixture to pasta; toss to mix.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using crispy pancetta instead of bacon. If you're short on time, consider using canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick. To enhance the dish, you can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, like Spinach Salad With Oranges And Peanuts, to balance the richness of the bacon. For an extra touch, serve with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon-Tomato Angel Hair contains roughly 96 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1970mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative. Additionally, you could enhance the flavor with a little liquid smoke to achieve that smoky taste without the meat.
What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice for this dish due to their meaty texture and low moisture content, which helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. However, any ripe tomatoes will work well, so choose what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).