Imagine taking the classic BLT sandwich and transforming it into a mouthwatering pasta dish that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce in a simple yet incredibly delicious meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 cups lettuce
- 2 tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of your preferred pasta, 6 slices of bacon, 2 cups of fresh lettuce, 2 ripe tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes. Toss to combine and add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce.
- Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh lettuce, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta.
- Serve the Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Pasta immediately, garnishing with additional cracked pepper or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce and ingredients well, like fusilli, penne, or rotini.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crispy but not burnt. Let it drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Pasta Water is Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- Don't Overcook the Lettuce: Add lettuce at the very end and just let it wilt slightly to maintain its fresh crunch.
- Season Carefully: Since bacon is already salty, taste before adding extra salt and adjust seasonings gradually.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the skillet to keep the lettuce crisp and the bacon crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
