Tangy Tomato Cheese
Bacon Pasta
Enjoy this tangy and appetizing Tomato Cheese Bacon Pasta. Vibrant cherry tomatoes, savory bacon, and a melted cheese sauce coat every strand perfectly.
There is something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of tomatoes and pasta. This dish elevates that familiar pairing with the addition of rendered bacon fat and a rich, melting slice of cheese that creates a beautifully silky sauce. It is a quick, highly appetizing meal where every single strand of spaghetti gets perfectly coated in a deep, tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti
- 150 g cherry tomatoes (mixed red and green)
- 100 g bacon slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 slice processed cheese
- a splash water or pasta water
- to taste salt
- optional fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- 1Boil the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti noodles. Cook until al dente, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged for even cooking.
Tip: Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta from within. - 2Add the cherry tomatoes
Pour the halved cherry tomatoes into a white pan to start building the sauce base.
Tip: Using a mix of red and green cherry tomatoes adds a vibrant color contrast to the final dish. - 3Add the bacon
Place the slices of bacon into the pan alongside the cherry tomatoes.
Tip: The bacon will render its savory fat as it cooks, naturally flavoring the tomatoes. - 4Sauté bacon and tomatoes
Drizzle olive oil directly over the bacon and tomatoes already in the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and release their sweet juices, and the bacon becomes lightly browned and crisp.
Tip: Using cherry tomatoes adds a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon. - 5Squeeze in tomato sauce
Squeeze tomato sauce directly over the bacon and tomatoes in the pan to deepen the tangy flavor profile of the pasta.
Tip: Letting the tomato sauce sizzle for a few seconds before stirring helps enhance its sweetness. - 6Create the sauce base
Pour a splash of water into the pan with the sautéed bacon and tomatoes. This helps to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful, silky sauce base.
Tip: Adding pasta water instead of plain water can add extra starch to thicken the sauce. - 7Melt in the cheese
Add a slice of processed cheese to the simmering sauce in the pan. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into the tomato mixture, creating a creamy texture.
Tip: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy. - 8Toss and serve
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated and well-combined.
Tip: Toss quickly to ensure the pasta stays hot and the sauce maintains its smooth consistency.
