Crispy Bacon & Charred Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil
Ingredients
- 6 slicesbacon
- 1 poundcherry tomatoes
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 12 ouncespasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- ½ cupfresh basil
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
Prep
- 01
Halve cherry tomatoes.
- 02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 03
Tear or chop fresh basil (about 1/2 cup packed).
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 02
While pasta cooks, cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in the pan.
- 03
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the bacon fat, cut side down. Let them sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to char, then toss and cook until they begin to burst and wrinkle, about 4–5 minutes more.
- 04
Mince garlic and add to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Add cooked pasta and bacon back to the skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently. If the dish looks dry, add pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until silky.
- 06
Tear basil leaves and fold into the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
Red pepper flakes are already in the ingredient list, but you can customize heat further. For warming spice, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika when you add the garlic. For bright, herbaceous notes, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly if you skip the bacon, though it won't be the same dish. Charring the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor without heavy cream or sauce.