Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the burst of fresh cherry tomatoes, all tangled up in perfectly cooked spaghetti. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both comforting and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 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 the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta and stir to distribute evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing each plate with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor – thick-cut works best for extra crispiness.
- Don't drain all the bacon fat – that's where the magic of flavor happens! Leave about a tablespoon in the pan.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining – it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps the ingredients stick together.
- Be careful when sautéing garlic – it burns quickly and can turn bitter. 30-45 seconds is all you need.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes at peak season.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh – it makes a world of difference compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Don't overcook the pasta – al dente is key to maintaining the perfect texture.
- Fresh basil is non-negotiable – it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
