Name: Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 340 g (12 ounces) dried rigatoni pasta; 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium brown/yellow onion – finely chopped; 250 g (8.8 oz) streaky bacon – cut into 1 cm (½ inch) cubes; 3 large cloves of garlic – finely chopped; 400 g (14 oz) tinned crushed tomatoes; 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red chilli pepper flakes – or to taste; ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy whipping/thickened cream; 2 ½ cups baby spinach – firmly packed; 1 cup pasta water – reserve before draining pasta; sea salt and pepper – to taste; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves – finely chopped; Parmesan cheese – freshly grated, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A plate of creamy pasta twirling around a fork, draped in a luscious sauce, topped with crispy bacon and fresh basil—what could be more inviting? The enticing fragrance of sautéed garlic and onion fills the kitchen, transporting you to a bustling Italian trattoria. This is not just any pasta; it’s Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta, a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Pin this for later!

What makes this creamy delight a staple in many homes? Its simplicity shines through—quick to prepare yet bursting with flavors that dance on the palate. All it takes is about 35 minutes to create a beautiful meal that pleases even the pickiest eater. Utilizing pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for weeknights or as a comforting meal prep option. Step into the cozy embrace of Italian cuisine and enjoy making this dish, which promises to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight go-to.
Irresistible Flavor: The savory combination of bacon, creamy sauce, and tangy tomatoes creates a dish bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil make it visually stunning on the dinner plate.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, this pasta fits every occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free pasta or lighter cream substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

340 g (12 ounces) dried rigatoni pasta: This pasta shape holds the creamy sauce exceptionally well. You can easily substitute it with penne or shells if needed.
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil: A staple for sautéing, providing a lovely flavor base. Feel free to use canola oil in a pinch.
1 medium brown/yellow onion, finely chopped: This adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are recommended, but white works too.
250 g (8.8 oz) streaky bacon, cut into 1 cm (½ inch) cubes: The star of the dish, providing that delightful crunch and savory flavor. You can swap it out for turkey bacon for a lighter option.
3 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with aromatic richness. Fresh is best, but garlic powder can work in a rush (use about 1 teaspoon).
400 g (14 oz) tinned crushed tomatoes: Adds tanginess and is the base of your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness.
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the flavor. You could use Italian seasoning as an alternative.
¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (or to taste): For a hint of heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
¾ cup (180 ml) heavy whipping/thickened cream: Adds a luscious texture. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream.
2 ½ cups baby spinach, firmly packed: Provides freshness and vibrant color. Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes if you prefer.
1 cup pasta water: Essential for adjusting the sauce consistency. Always reserve before draining.
Sea salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped: For a burst of freshness. Dried basil can be used, but fresh elevates the dish.
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving: It’s a must for sprinkling on top, offering a salty, nutty flavor. Pecorino Romano can be a good alternative.

How to Make Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Begin by putting a large saucepan of water on the stove, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water—this will flavor your pasta beautifully.
Sauté Bacon and Onions: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 250 g of streaky bacon and 1 chopped onion. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Then, toss in the 3 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, careful not to burn the garlic.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the 400 g of crushed tomatoes, 1 ½ teaspoons of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavor.
Cook the Pasta: As your sauce simmers, add the 340 g of dried rigatoni to the boiling water. Cook until just al dente, typically about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Combine Sauce and Cream: Pour the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Then, add the ¾ cup of heavy cream and the 2 ½ cups of baby spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
Mix It All Together: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Serve It Up: Plate the creamy bacon and tomato pasta, garnish with finely chopped fresh basil, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 3 months. For reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; you want it to be al dente so it can absorb some sauce flavor without becoming mushy.
If your sauce appears too thick, gradually add a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Experiment with different herbs; fresh parsley and thyme can add a lovely twist to the flavor.
Want to make this dish ahead of time? Prepare it without the spinach and cream, then stir in before serving to keep it fresh.
For extra flavor, consider adding grated lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish just before serving.

A delightful combination of flavors and creaminess awaits you with every forkful of your Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta. The comforting richness of the sauce partnered with the freshness of spinach and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable meal. Feel free to add your personal touch—perhaps experimenting with different vegetables or herbs. Remember, food is about enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the dried rigatoni pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Many grocery stores offer excellent gluten-free pasta options that hold up well in creamy sauces.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant to impart a similar umami flavor. Also, consider using vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the depth of flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the pasta and sauce, but keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. When reheating, simply stir in the cream and spinach for the best texture.

How do I add some extra protein?

To boost the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply sauté them before mixing with the pasta for a hearty meal that’s even more satisfying.

⭐ If you make my Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips