Quills With Spicy Tomato And Bacon Sauce
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tubular quills coated in a spicy tomato and bacon sauce, complemented by aromatic herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. quills, penne or other tubular pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano ⓘ
- 3 lb. plum or medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 fresh hot red chili pepper or 1/2 tsp. dried hot chili pepper ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. mushrooms ⓘ
- 5 to 7 sprigs fresh oregano ⓘ
- 4 oz. thick-cut bacon slices ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove the cores from tomatoes and score an 'x' on the base of each.
- Immerse in boiling water until the skin starts to split, 8 to 15 seconds.
- Transfer to cold water.
- When cold, peel off skins.
- Cut tomatoes crosswise in half; squeeze out the seeds, then coarsely chop each half.
- Wear rubber gloves and dice the chili pepper.
- Finely chop the garlic.
- Wipe mushrooms with damp paper towels; trim stems even with caps and slice them.
- Strip oregano leaves from stems, reserving leaves for garnish, then chop the leaves.
- Stack bacon slices and cut across into wide strips.
- Transfer bacon to a frying pan and fry over low heat until lightly browned and fat is melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Spoon off most of the fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons to sauté mushrooms.
- Increase heat and add mushrooms; cook until softened and most liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, chili pepper, oregano, chopped tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer until sauce is thick and rich, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning.
- Fill a large pot with cold water, bring to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon salt.
- Add the quills and simmer until tender but still chewy, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain quills and rinse in hot water, then drain again.
- Transfer quills to a warmed serving bowl and add butter.
- Toss with two forks until well coated, then spoon over the sauce and half of the grated cheese.
- Toss together, then sprinkle with more cheese and garnish with reserved oregano leaves.
- Serve immediately with the remaining cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers. If you can't find fresh chili peppers, crushed red pepper flakes are a great alternative. You can also swap the quills with another pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, for a different texture. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, especially if using canned tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quills with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For an Italian touch, consider serving it alongside Meatballs From Bari, Italy for added protein and flavor.
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 broth to prevent the pasta from drying out and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well to combine and heat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quills With Spicy Tomato And Bacon Sauce contains roughly 1374 calories, with 37g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), iron (117% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1613mg per serving (70% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, using canned tomatoes can save time and still yield a delicious sauce. Opt for high-quality whole or crushed tomatoes, and adjust the cooking time as needed since canned tomatoes are already cooked. You may want to add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the quills with spicy tomato sauce vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding mushrooms or a splash of soy sauce.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
While the recipe calls for quills, any tubular pasta like penne or ziti would work well. These shapes hold the sauce nicely and provide a delightful chew. You can also experiment with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
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).