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    Home » Pasta

    Easy Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta

    Published: Oct 3, 2020 / Updated: Oct 3, 2020 / 38 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This bacon tomato pasta recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients and is super quick and simple to make! The creamy garlic sauce is decadent and delicious.

    bacon tomato pasta on a plate

    Bacon and fresh tomatoes in a cream sauce are such a good combo. I was inspired by my Shrimp and Bacon Pasta, but I wanted something even simpler (and without the shrimp, obviously). The tomatoes lighten the dish up a bit as they soften and release their juices into the cream sauce.

    Aside from the taste of this recipe (I polished off a good half of it all by myself), the best part for me is how straightforward this dish is. This is one of those recipes where after a long day/week/year it's nice to just come home and throw it all together. I feel this will be my new go-to when I am craving a creamy pasta dish! 

    creamy tomato bacon pasta in a skillet with tongs (ready to be tossed)

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • I don't recommend subbing the heavy cream for anything like half-and-half or milk because the acidity of the sauce and high heat it's cooked over could curdle it pretty easily. With that said, you're welcome to experiment. You may need to add an additional thickener like flour or cornstarch to get the results you want.
    • I used bucatini pasta for this recipe (see photos), and where has it been all my life?! It's not a shape I normally buy, but since I love spaghetti so much, I am surprised I haven't been buying it. Anyway, use spaghetti or whatever shape you've got on hand. I like long noodles for this particular dish, though.
    • Add some red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
    • You could try making this with grape/cherry tomatoes... I would use a handful of them and cook them until they burst.

    close-up of creamy tomato and bacon pasta

    What to serve with creamy bacon tomato pasta:

    Try a side salad (use my Caesar dressing to make the best Caesar salad) or some garlic bread.

    Other bacon & pasta recipes to try:

    • Asparagus and Bacon Pasta
    • Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
    • Creamy Bacon Spaghetti

    bacon and tomato pasta in a skillet with a wedge of parmesan and a cheese grater beside it

    I hope you'll love this tomato and bacon pasta recipe! Questions? Leave me a comment below. Be sure to tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram if you make one of my recipes.

    bacon tomato pasta on a plate

    Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta

    This bacon tomato pasta recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients and is super quick and simple to make! The creamy garlic sauce is decadent and delicious.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 509 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used bucatini)
    • 6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
    • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 medium tomato cut into small pieces
    • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1 dash Italian seasoning
    • Pepper to taste
    • Garnish: freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta.
    • Meanwhile, cut the bacon into small pieces (I like using kitchen shears for this) and add it to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy (about 7-10 minutes).
    • Spoon out excess fat (leave about 1 tablespoon in there).
    • Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Stir in the tomato, cream, and Italian seasoning. Let it bubble for 5 minutes or so until the sauce has reduced to your liking (turn the heat down if it starts to furiously boil). It's not a super thick sauce, but it should be thick enough that it coats the back of a spoon.
    • Drain the pasta, add it to the skillet, and toss with the sauce (add a bit of the hot pasta water prior to draining it if the sauce gets too thick for your liking). You can either add the parmesan at this step and toss the whole thing or grate some over top of each bowl. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Serves 2-4. If you've got 4 super hungry people and aren't serving it with anything else, I recommend doubling the recipe. 
    • The bacon is pretty salty, so you may not need to add extra salt to this recipe.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 509kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 13gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 298mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 912IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword creamy bacon tomato pasta
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
    Ground Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Pasta »

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    1. Carla says

      August 14, 2022 at 12:05 AM

      5 stars
      I added some pan fried mushrooms as they needed to be used. Easy, quick and tasty recipe, even though I forgot the parmesan 🤦‍♀️Thanks Natasha!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 14, 2022 at 12:02 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 😀

        Reply
    2. Miriam says

      April 12, 2022 at 3:07 PM

      Our family loves this recipe. It’s in our rotation! Thank you for the simple ingredients and directions!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 12, 2022 at 3:47 PM

        That's so nice to hear!! 😀

        Reply
    3. Tay says

      January 21, 2022 at 2:35 PM

      Really good recipe. Only had bacon, tomatoes and pasta in the house and this worked out perfectly.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 21, 2022 at 2:48 PM

        That's great to hear, Tay! Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Andy Singh says

      December 29, 2021 at 1:23 PM

      5 stars
      Just finished eating this and it was lovely! I added a cheeky bit of cream cheese mixed with herbs.

      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2021 at 1:33 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Andy! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Krista says

      November 13, 2021 at 4:19 PM

      I made this dish this week. Everyone loved it- there were no leftovers. I appreciate that your recipes use ingredients that I usually have in my pantry/fridge. For this working mom- fast, delicious meals are what I love!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2021 at 6:12 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Christine McLean says

      July 14, 2021 at 1:37 PM

      5 stars
      I found this to be a very versatile recipe! Just made it, but I didn't have heavy cream and substituted greek yogurt. Tastes amazing. I eyeballed the amounts mostly, added extra garlic and maybe a Tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Fresh bacon bits were on hand, so I had even less cooking prep to do. Topped with fresh parsley, grated parmigiano and served with a salad. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 14, 2021 at 1:39 PM

        I'm so glad you were able to tweak it based on what you had on hand! Happy you found it simple and delicious, Christine! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sarah says

      March 2, 2021 at 7:46 AM

      Hi I’m trying this tonight and can’t wait after reading all the reviews - I’m just thinking I may make double so if any leftovers, can they be frozen ?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 2, 2021 at 10:09 AM

        Hmmm... I'm not sure that this is the best recipe to freeze, unfortunately. Cream sauces are notoriously bad for reheating, and I'm not sure how the fresh tomato would work either. I mean, you could give it a try and see how it goes for you. It's possible that you'll be totally happy with the results. I'd reheat on a low heat to hopefully help with the sauce separating.

        Reply
    8. Sarah says

      March 1, 2021 at 2:51 PM

      Hi do you use smoked or unsmoked bacon?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 1, 2021 at 8:51 PM

        Smoked. I'm not sure I've ever had unsmoked bacon.

        Reply
    9. T. Allen Morgan says

      February 20, 2021 at 5:12 AM

      5 stars
      I made this exactly as written and it was super easy and absolutely delicious, even without the cheese! Really appreciate having a great, super quick pasta recipe that uses pantry staples! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 20, 2021 at 10:20 AM

        Fantastic!! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Michele fisher says

      February 3, 2021 at 2:29 PM

      Delicious!! Added more italian seasoing

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 3, 2021 at 4:24 PM

        Thank you!!!! 🙂

        Reply
      • Steph says

        December 27, 2021 at 12:22 PM

        5 stars
        This is delicious. I used fresh cherry tomatoes, and it came out beautifully. So easy to make with bits from the fridge and satisfying to eat. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          December 27, 2021 at 12:47 PM

          Fantastic!! So pleased you enjoyed it, Steph!

          Reply
    11. V says

      December 22, 2020 at 2:29 PM

      5 stars
      This was really good and super simple to make. I liked the no fuss simplicity to this because I find recipes that I’m really excited about but when I get lazy I just end up ordering take out ( which isn’t a bad thing if it’s in moderation but if you do it more frequently like me that’s a different story) I added some chopped sun dried tomatoes just to kick it up a notch and it was so good! I didn’t have bucatini so I just used spaghetti and it turned out great.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 23, 2020 at 10:29 AM

        Haha yes... takeout is definitely best in moderation but so tempting! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    12. Ike says

      December 16, 2020 at 12:33 PM

      I missed the when-to-add-the-bacon instruction. Guess it's meat to be after tossing and prior to parmesan 😉

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 16, 2020 at 1:05 PM

        Hi! For this recipe, the bacon stays in the pan for the entire time. No need to take it out of the pan and add it back in if that's what you're wondering. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Becca says

      December 6, 2020 at 5:21 PM

      I made this for my family of 7 and everyone was wowed! I added sliced mushrooms and used Penne pasta (it's what I had on hand. One of my kids said "it feels like we are eating at a fancy restaurant!" I thought that was high praise. Thank you for helping make a great family meal enjoyed by all!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 6, 2020 at 9:53 PM

        Awww your comment makes me so happy! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Chrissy says

      November 19, 2020 at 11:09 AM

      5 stars
      I loved this recipe and so did my family! I threw in some spinach and it was great. I am so happy I found your blog. The recipes are so simple but also diverse and delicious. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2020 at 1:21 PM

        Awesome!! Thanks so much for commenting! I'm happy you found me! 😀

        Reply
    15. Can says

      October 27, 2020 at 1:43 PM

      Hi again! 😉
      This looks like a dish that'll be a hit and I can adjust the sauce amount to make more from the excess bacon grease!
      All easily accessible ingredients and simple to make as a side or as the main by adding a few more vegetables I have on hand.
      It also looks like it this will go great with the honey salmon recipe you have posted.
      You've inspired me to cook again after not doing so since my chef-husband passed away recently. Thank You so much

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 27, 2020 at 3:16 PM

        Hi! Yes... you can definitely play around with this one. 🙂 I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. I'm glad that I've inspired you to cook... your comment means a lot to me.

        Reply
    16. Vicki says

      October 12, 2020 at 3:15 PM

      5 stars
      This was FANTASTIC!!! I made it for supper last night and the young people gave it a two thumbs up, which means I can make it again! We never had bucatini pasta but I’m so glad I found it because it was just perfect! Easy to make, elegant and flavorful!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 12, 2020 at 3:21 PM

        I am so glad you all enjoyed it, Vicki!! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to write me a review.

        Reply
    17. Joanna Colton says

      October 10, 2020 at 12:47 PM

      5 stars
      Every recipe I've tried from Salt & Lavender has been a win and this is no exception. Perfect, easy and quick comfort dish for a Friday evening. I only had a few fresh grape tomatoes so I cut those up and also added a can of diced petite tomatoes. We were fighting over who got to eat the leftovers Saturday afternoon, and it was just as good day 2!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 10, 2020 at 4:29 PM

        I'm so happy that it was a hit and you were able to adapt it! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Joanna! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Frank Calderon says

      October 9, 2020 at 10:38 PM

      5 stars
      I'm trying t soon.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 10, 2020 at 9:58 AM

        Enjoy! Let me know how it goes.

        Reply

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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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