Creamy BLT Pasta
Try this Creamy BLT Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy BLT Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cups fresh spinach chopped
- roasted tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley
- 1 pound thick cut bacon
- 1 cup roasted cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1/2 cup fresh cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 tablespoon sambal chile paste optional
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese dived
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of cherry tomatoes cut in half i use 1/2 yellow and 1/2 red
- sprinkle with garlic powder
- Carbohydrate 45.0169773829416 g
- Cholesterol 162.840174163333 mg
- Fat 55.2605077729764 g
- Fiber 0.384800005246224 g
- Protein 26.4706678987146 g
- Saturated Fat 22.0058865938748 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 (224g)
- Sodium 1138.44887691795 mg
- Sugar 44.6321773776954 g
- Trans Fat 6.54195181908641 g
- Calories 785 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare roasted tomatoes.
- Toss all of the ingredients to combine. Set on baking sheet and place in preheated oven of 425 degrees.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on pan.
- Boil a large pot of salted water of medium-high heat. Add penne and cook according to the package directions.
- Once noodles are al dente, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the remaining water from the noodles.
- Make sauce while pasta is cooking.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Chop up the uncooked bacon and add to the skillet, cook.
- Once the bacon is thoroughly cooked, drain and place pan back on the heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, add onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add roasted tomatoes and spinach.
- Remove from heat.
- Add in mascarpone, 1 cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup reserved pasta water and chile paste, if desired.
- Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Stir in bacon and pasta. Add ½ of the pasta and toss to coat.
- At this point you can add the remaining pasta or add as much as you would like. If you want a creamier pasta, only add about ½ - ¾ lb. of pasta.
- Stir in remaining fresh tomatoes.
- Serve topped with additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
A Busy Mom's Guide to a Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Creamy BLT Pasta
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice pick-ups, and the ever-present scramble to get dinner on the table before everyone melts down. So, when I find a recipe that's both delicious and surprisingly simple, it becomes a staple in our household. This Creamy BLT Pasta is one of those recipes.
Forget the complicated, time-consuming meals; this dish is a game-changer. The creamy mascarpone sauce is incredibly rich and satisfying, perfectly complementing the salty bacon and juicy tomatoes. The slight smoky sweetness of the roasted tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that elevates this pasta far beyond your average weeknight dinner. And the best part? It’s surprisingly quick to make. Most of the time is spent with the pasta cooking and the bacon frying; you can easily prep other ingredients while that’s happening.
Why this recipe works for busy moms:
- Minimal prep time: Most ingredients require minimal chopping, and you can easily multitask while the pasta cooks.
- One-pan wonder (mostly!): Using one pan for the sauce makes clean-up a breeze, a definite plus after a long day.
- Adaptable to your needs: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't have roasted tomatoes? Use fresh ones. Want to add some mushrooms? Go for it!
- Kid-friendly (with adjustments): My picky eater son isn't a fan of tomatoes. I simply set aside some plain pasta for him, and everyone is happy.
Making this Creamy BLT Pasta a Family Affair:
This dish is perfect for involving your kids in the cooking process. Older children can help with chopping vegetables or stirring the sauce, making it a fun and educational experience. Younger children can set the table or even help grate the cheese (with supervision, of course!). Turning dinner prep into a family activity not only saves you time but also creates lasting memories.
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, this Creamy BLT Pasta is also a versatile dish. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, but it’s easily dressed up for a more elegant occasion. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates the presentation without adding significant time or effort.
Tips for success:
- Roast your tomatoes beforehand: Roasting the tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that's worth the extra few minutes of prep time. You can roast a large batch and store them in the fridge for future use.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for this recipe. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the creaminess to your liking: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a little more mascarpone or reserved pasta water.
- Get creative with your toppings: Fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of pesto can all add extra flavor and visual appeal.
This Creamy BLT Pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. It’s a recipe that makes even the busiest weeknight feel a little bit more manageable, a little bit more delicious, and a whole lot more enjoyable. So go ahead, try it—you and your family won't be disappointed!
