This tantalizing blend of savory and slightly sweet ingredients creates a delightful pasta dish. The classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato gets a twist with the addition of rich crème fraiche and tangy lemon zest. The robust flavors of the bacon and arugula, contrasted with the freshness of the tomatoes, makes this pasta a standout dish.
Crème fraiche and ditalini pasta might not be staples in every kitchen. Crème fraiche is a rich, tangy cream that can often be found in the dairy section of your supermarket, if it's not there, you can substitute it with full fat sour cream. Ditalini pasta are small, short tubes of pasta and can be found in the pasta aisle. If unable to locate, any small pasta like macaroni or penne will work as well.
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta Ingredients
Olive oil: A healthy fat, used for sautéing bacon. It adds a layer of flavor to the dish.
Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor to the pasta. Choose a good quality bacon for best results.
Garlic: Offers a robust flavor that infuses the dish, particularly the oil, with a savoury kick.
Lemon zest: Provides a refreshing citrusy touch, balancing the heavy flavours.
Crème fraiche: A sour cream alternative that adds a creamy, tangy layer to the dish.
Ditalini pasta: A small pasta that holds up well to the hearty ingredients. If not available, substitute with a similar sized pasta.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
Baby arugula: Gives the dish a peppery note and a fresh, green crunch.
Salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of spicy heat. Adjust to taste.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
One reader, Cher Ayers says:
This bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes creates a burst of flavors. The creamy creme fraiche ties it all together perfectly. It's a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that's become a family favorite. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making BLT Pasta
How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a heavy skillet over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until almost crisp. Turn off the heat.
How to remove excess bacon grease: Hold a paper towel with tongs and mop up excess bacon grease with the paper towel, leaving about 2 teaspoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
How to incorporate creme fraiche into the bacon mixture: Stir minced garlic and lemon zest into the bacon in the skillet and let it cook in the residual heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the creme fraiche.
How to cook ditalini pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and stir in the ditalini. Cook for about 8 minutes until tender, then drain and add the pasta to the skillet.
How to cook tomatoes and arugula: Return the skillet to medium heat, add the tomatoes, and cook and stir for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Then, mix in the arugula, stirring for about 30 seconds until wilted, and turn off the heat.
How to season the pasta: Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
How to garnish the pasta: Garnish the pasta with parmesan cheese before serving.
How To Make Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta
Whip up a quick and easy dish with this bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta that’s made with an extra zing of flavor from creme fraiche for a scrumptious bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½lbbacon,cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 2tsplemon zest
- ⅔cupcreme fraiche
- 2cupsditalini pasta
- 2cupscherry tomatoes,halved
- 4cupsbaby arugula,coarsely chopped
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 1pinchcayenne pepper,or to taste
- 1tbspparmesan cheese,freshly shredded, or to taste
Instructions
-
Pour the olive oil into a heavy skillet over medium heat, add the bacon, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until almost crisp. Turn off the heat.
-
Hold a paper towel with tongs and mop up excess bacon grease with the paper towel, leave about 2 teaspoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
-
Stir minced garlic and lemon zest into bacon in the skillet and let cook in the residual heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir the creme fraiche into bacon mixture.
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and stir in ditalini. Cook for about 8 minutes until tender. Drain and add pasta to the skillet. Stir pasta thoroughly into bacon and creme fraiche mixture.
-
Return skillet to medium heat. Add tomatoes the cook and stir for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Mix in the arugula, stirring for about 30 seconds until wilted, and turn off the heat.
-
Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir again and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
-
Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 564.29kcal
- Fat: 34.90g
- Saturated Fat: 12.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.75g
- Carbohydrates: 45.87g
- Fiber: 3.17g
- Sugar: 5.56g
- Protein: 16.74g
- Cholesterol: 58.41mg
- Sodium: 580.61mg
- Calcium: 109.38mg
- Potassium: 534.25mg
- Iron: 1.46mg
- Vitamin A: 122.24µg
- Vitamin C: 15.10mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting BLT Pasta
To ensure your bacon is cooked to perfection, consider cutting it into small pieces before cooking. This not only allows it to cook more evenly, but also makes it easier to incorporate into the pasta. Additionally, when cooking the pasta, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Lastly, when adding the arugula, it's important to remember that it wilts quickly, so it should be added right before you're ready to serve the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to avoid last-minute searches.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prep the other ingredients to make the most of your time.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Consider using pre-cooked bacon to save time on cooking and cleanup.
Prep in advance: Chop the garlic, zest the lemon, and measure out the crème fraiche and other ingredients ahead of time for quicker assembly.
One-pot cooking: Opt for a one-pot pasta cooking method to minimize the number of dishes to clean up afterward.
Quick wilt: Instead of waiting for the arugula to fully wilt, turn off the heat once it starts to soften to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta Recipe
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured but not smoked, providing a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can add a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the dish, while also providing a boost of nutrients.
tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can offer a sweet and smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish while still providing a pop of color and texture.
ditalini pasta - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable substitute for ditalini in this recipe.
crème fraiche - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a similar tangy and creamy element to the dish, although it may be slightly less rich than crème fraiche.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can offer a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor, adding depth to the dish while providing a burst of umami.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby kale: Baby kale can provide a similar peppery and slightly bitter flavor, adding a nutritious and vibrant element to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a suitable substitute for parmesan in this recipe.
Best Way to Present BLT Pasta
Elevate the plating: When presenting the bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, shallow bowl or a wide-rimmed plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will complement the other ingredients and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Arrange the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and arugula thoughtfully, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully and contributes to the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize the balance of flavors: Highlight the harmonious combination of savory bacon, tangy tomatoes, and peppery arugula by arranging the ingredients in a way that showcases the balance of flavors. Consider layering the components or creating a visually striking arrangement that reflects the complexity of the dish.
Incorporate a touch of luxury: Consider adding a finishing touch of truffle oil or a sprinkle of edible gold flakes to elevate the presentation and add a touch of luxury to the dish, appealing to the refined palates of culinary professionals.
Embrace minimalism: Emphasize the beauty of simplicity by opting for a clean, minimalist presentation. Focus on showcasing the natural colors and textures of the ingredients without overwhelming the plate with excessive garnishes or distractions.
Consider the vessel: Select a vessel that complements the overall aesthetic of the dish. Whether it's a sleek, modern plate or a rustic, artisanal bowl, the choice of serving vessel can significantly impact the visual appeal of the presentation.
Highlight the pasta texture: Showcase the texture of the ditalini pasta by ensuring that it is cooked to perfection and delicately arranged to emphasize its shape and mouthfeel. The pasta should be the star of the dish, and its presentation should reflect its importance in the recipe.
Essential Tools for Making This Pasta Recipe
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has low sides and a long handle, making it perfect for cooking bacon and other ingredients.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate foods. They are essential for flipping bacon and stirring ingredients while cooking.
Paper towel: Paper towels are absorbent and useful for soaking up excess grease or oil from cooked bacon.
Heavy pot: A heavy pot is used for boiling pasta. It should be large enough to hold the pasta and water comfortably.
Colander: A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta after boiling.
Grater: A grater is used to shred or grate parmesan cheese, adding a delicious finishing touch to the dish.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta
- This pasta dish is best served immediately after cooking, while the bacon is still crisp and the arugula is freshly wilted.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon will lose its crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta and heat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- You can also reheat the pasta in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as the arugula may become too wilted and the bacon may become tough.
- If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and bacon mixture (steps 1-4) and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and bacon mixture, then add the tomatoes and arugula as directed in step 5.
- It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the pasta, bacon, and vegetables may become unpleasant after thawing.
How To Reheat Leftover Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta
- Reheat the bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps preserve the texture of the pasta and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of chicken broth to help moisten it and prevent sticking.
- For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- To reheat larger portions, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you have leftover bacon, tomatoes, and arugula, reserve them and add them to the reheated pasta just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
- For a crispy bacon topping, cook a few extra slices of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and sprinkle over the reheated pasta before serving.
- To add extra flavor and creaminess, stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese when reheating the pasta.
Random Fact About Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta
The BLT pasta recipe is a modern twist on the classic BLT sandwich, incorporating the beloved flavors into a delicious pasta dish.
Is This Pasta Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as bacon, pasta, and tomatoes, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of creme fraiche may slightly increase the cost, but it adds a rich and creamy element to the dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Bacon: High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- Crème fraiche: A high-fat dairy product that adds significant calories and saturated fat to the dish.
- Olive oil and bacon grease: Additional sources of fat that, while not entirely unhealthy, can add unnecessary calories to the meal.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as:
- Cherry tomatoes and arugula: These vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Whole grain pasta: If using whole grain ditalini, this can increase the fiber content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon used or replace it with a leaner protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Swap the crème fraiche for a lower-fat alternative, such as plain Greek yogurt or a light cream sauce made with milk and cornstarch.
- Use less olive oil and drain more of the bacon grease to reduce the overall fat content.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more arugula, tomatoes, or other colorful veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Opt for whole grain pasta to boost the fiber content and provide a more filling meal.
- Use herbs and spices, like fresh basil or red pepper flakes, to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
Editor's Thoughts on This BLT-Inspired Pasta Dish
This bacon, lettuce, and tomato pasta recipe is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy tomatoes, and peppery arugula creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of crème fraiche adds a creamy richness to the dish, while the hint of lemon zest brightens the overall taste. The use of ditalini pasta provides a perfect vehicle for capturing the savory sauce. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and satisfying take on a beloved flavor combination.
Enhance Your Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The savory bacon and aromatic garlic create a rich base, complemented by the refreshing zest of lemon. The addition of crème fraiche lends a velvety creaminess, while the vibrant cherry tomatoes and peppery arugula provide a burst of freshness. The use of ditalini pasta ensures a perfect al dente texture, and the subtle heat from cayenne pepper adds a tantalizing kick. Trust in this recipe for a harmonious blend of flavors that will elevate your dining experience.
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