"Matriciana"(Pasta With Bacon)
Matriciana is a hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with Parmesan cheese. Its bold flavors make it perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or casual gathering, appealing to fans of savory, tomato-based pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, sauté the chopped onion, diced bacon, and olive oil until golden.
- Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pan.
- Cook the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or substitute the penne with rigatoni. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil in a pinch, but use less, as it's more concentrated. If you want to make it a heartier dish, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Auntie Mickey's Italian Stuffed Peppers for a family-style dinner. For an extra touch, offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Matriciana"(Pasta With Bacon) contains roughly 1314 calories, with 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2004mg per serving (87% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce while cooking the pasta. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast to keep it vegan while still enjoying a delicious pasta dish.
What can I serve with Matriciana?
Matriciana goes well with a variety of sides. Consider a Caesar salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more substantial pairing, serve it alongside garlic bread or even Grandma Thelma's Italian Spaghetti Sauce as a dipping sauce.
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).