Creamy Bacon Pasta Tomato (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Seasonings
01 -
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
02 -
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
03 -
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
04 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
05 -
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Pasta and Sauce
07 -
5 slices bacon
08 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
240 ml chicken broth
10 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 -
240 ml heavy cream
12 -
1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes
13 -
1 pinch red pepper flakes
14 -
2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
15 -
50 g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
16 -
225 g spaghetti
17 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Slowly cook bacon slices over low heat until crispy on both sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in the pan. Remove any blackened pieces, but leave browned bits for flavor.
02 -
Add reserved bacon drippings and minced garlic to the pan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan, loosening browned bits. Continue adding small amounts of broth as garlic cooks for 1–2 minutes.
03 -
Pour in remaining chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, mustard powder, onion powder, pepper, cayenne, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
04 -
Bring sauce to a gentle boil and reduce to a simmer. Add cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and cream cheese. Mix until cream cheese is fully melted. Partially cover and let simmer; the tomatoes will eventually burst as they cook.
05 -
Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti for 1 minute less than instructed on the package.
06 -
Lower heat on the sauce to low. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan gradually, stirring until incorporated. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese separation.
07 -
Using tongs, transfer drained pasta into the sauce. Toss until sauce coats the pasta evenly. Cook together for 1 additional minute to allow the sauce to thicken and pasta to absorb flavors.
08 -
Let sauce thicken for a few moments after removing from heat. Top with chopped bacon and fresh parsley. Serve promptly, ideally with garlic bread.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother melting into the sauce.
02 -
Freshly grate Parmesan cheese from a block for optimal creamy texture.
03 -
Any pasta shape, such as farfalle or shells, can be substituted for spaghetti.
04 -
If using half and half instead of heavy cream, preheat it to reduce curdling risk.
05 -
Mustard powder subtly enhances overall flavor.