Bowtie Pasta With Tomato Bacon Sauce
Bowtie pasta coated in a rich tomato bacon sauce, featuring crispy bacon, tender onions, and a touch of cream for smoothness. This hearty dish combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- In the remaining grease, cook the chopped onion until tender.
- Add the canned plum tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the onion, stirring to break up the tomatoes. Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce.
- Stir in heavy whipping cream and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. You can also replace heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with your favorite vegetables, similar to those found in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Bacon Sauce with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian Beef Pie for a hearty gathering, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bowtie Pasta With Tomato Bacon Sauce contains roughly 190 calories, with 11g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose. Each type will hold the sauce differently, but they all will taste delicious!
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. You can add mushrooms or other vegetables for added flavor and texture. Consider using smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you'd like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of tomato paste can enhance the tomato flavor and thicken the sauce. Just stir it in after adding the canned tomatoes.
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).