Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that packs a spicy punch! This Spicy Tomato Bacon Spaghetti is not just another pasta dish – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Imagine crispy bacon, zesty tomatoes, and a kick of red pepper flakes dancing together in one irresistible plate of pure deliciousness. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti, 4 slices of chopped bacon, 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help flavor the spaghetti as it cooks.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, into the skillet. Stir to combine with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the crispy bacon and chopped fresh basil, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Spicy Tomato Bacon Spaghetti hot, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- • For the most flavorful pasta, always salt your boiling water generously – it should taste like seawater. • Don't drain all the bacon fat! That's where the extra flavor comes from when sautéing the garlic and creating the sauce. • Reserve some pasta water before draining – the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. • Use fresh basil if possible – it makes a huge difference in the final flavor profile. • For extra heat, add a bit more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. • If you want a creamier sauce, you can stir in a small amount of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end. • Cook the bacon until it's truly crispy to get the best texture and maximum flavor in the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
