Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary feast! This mouthwatering Pasta with Bacon and Peppers recipe is about to become your new obsession, combining the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the sweet smokiness of bell peppers, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and fat has rendered, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until peppers are slightly softened but still retain some crispness.
- Add minced garlic to the peppers and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return pasta to the skillet with peppers, add crispy bacon pieces, and toss everything together. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss once more to ensure even coating and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt is your flavor friend: Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Bacon crispiness matters: Cook bacon low and slow to render maximum fat and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Don't overcook your peppers: Aim for a slight crunch to maintain their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Reserved pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together.
- Timing is crucial: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking to ensure smooth execution.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a difference: Skip pre-grated cheese and grate your own for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet to preserve its texture and warmth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
