Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta
Try this Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- â¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
- 2 medium zucchinis blade c, noodles trimmed
- 4 pieces of bacon
- 1 14.5oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 2.5-3 cups arugula
- â¼ cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- Carbohydrate 18.5502604151833 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.97175208329647 g
- Fiber 5.65439581848806 g
- Protein 3.88839999966113 g
- Saturated Fat 0.573782166658823 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (320g)
- Sodium 61.7918697839795 mg
- Sugar 12.8958645966953 g
- Trans Fat 0.388365708322116 g
- Calories 99 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Once heated, add in the bacon slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, flip over and cook another 3-5 minutes or until crispy. Set aside on a paper-towel lined plate.
- Wipe down the skillet and place it back over medium-high heat. Add in the olive oil and once heated, add in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper and oregano and let cook for 10 minutes or until sauce is fully reduced.
- Once reduced, add in the arugula and zucchini noodles. Cook, tossing frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until noodles wilt and cook through. Remove from heat and stir in the parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Toss noodle mixture until cheese melts and then crumble in the bacon and give another toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the general chaos that comes with juggling work and family life. That's why I've become a huge fan of quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. This Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta is one of my absolute go-tos. It's ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and tastes surprisingly decadent.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It cleverly combines the satisfying crunch of bacon with the fresh, vibrant taste of arugula and zucchini. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, yet surprisingly light. It's the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating. I often adapt this recipe depending on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The flexibility is what makes it such a versatile and beloved meal in my household.
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- Speed: The entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simplicity: The ingredients are readily available and the steps are straightforward.
- Healthiness: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, healthy alternative to traditional pasta. The abundance of vegetables provides essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Deliciousness: The combination of creamy tomato sauce, crispy bacon, and peppery arugula is simply irresistible.
- Adaptability: You can easily customize the recipe based on your preferences and available ingredients.
Tips and Variations:
- Zucchini Noodles: For perfectly spiralized zucchini noodles, I highly recommend using a spiralizer. If you don't have one, you can use a vegetable peeler to create zucchini ribbons. Just be sure to trim the ends of the zucchini before you start.
- Bacon: Use your favorite type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon adds a lovely chewiness, while thinner bacon crisps up more quickly.
- Arugula: If you don't have arugula on hand, baby spinach or kale would be great substitutes.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Add Protein: To make this a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
This Creamy BLT Zucchini Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a quick and easy way to create a delicious and satisfying meal for your family, even on the busiest of weeknights. So next time you're short on time but craving something flavorful, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Ingredients List:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano flakes
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized or julienned
- 4 pieces of bacon
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 2.5-3 cups arugula
- ¼ cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
