Tomato Bacon Spaghetti

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 11, 2025

Featured in: Main Dishes

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant — without the fuss — this Tomato Bacon Spaghetti is it. The perfect balance of crispy, savory bacon and rich tomato sauce with aromatic garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

This recipe is simple yet unforgettable, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a vibrant, flavorful meal. The combination of thick-cut bacon and fresh basil adds complexity and freshness, elevating classic spaghetti to a new level of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines crispy bacon and a rich tomato sauce for satisfying flavor.
Quick and simple to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Versatile with options for creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed variations.
Perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and salty Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Spaghetti: Classic long pasta strands, perfect to soak up the savory tomato and bacon sauce.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon pieces that crisp beautifully, lending a smoky, salty flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced to bring a fragrant, aromatic note to the sauce base.
Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a quick, robust tomato base with texture.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and balancing the saltiness of bacon drippings.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brings authentic Italian flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste, enhancing and balancing all flavors in the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish with creamy texture.
Fresh basil: Adds vibrant color and bright herbal freshness just before serving.

Instructions

Cook the pasta perfectly: Begin by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm. Reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining is vital—it helps adjust the sauce consistency and gives it a glossy, silky finish when combined.
Crisp the bacon pieces: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped thick-cut bacon until golden, crispy, and flavorful. Keep about two tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan, which is crucial for imparting rich depth to the sauce while sautéing other ingredients.
Create the tomato sauce: Add a splash of olive oil and freshly minced garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken and aromas to marry.
Toss pasta with bacon and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the rich sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a beautiful, silky texture. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy with garnishes: Dish the warm tomato bacon spaghetti onto plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Scatter chopped fresh basil over the top to add color and brightness. Pair it with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad to complete a satisfying meal.

You Must Know

Reserve pasta water carefully to perfect sauce consistency and help it cling to noodles.
Using thick-cut bacon enhances texture and flavor intensity in this dish.
Simmering the sauce develops deeper flavors—avoid rushing this step.
Fresh basil must be added just before serving for maximum aroma and vibrancy.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tomato bacon spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta. Add a fresh mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors.

Professional Tips

For a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup heavy cream after simmering the tomato sauce.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in step three for extra nutrition and color.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference; cayenne adds an extra kick.
To boost protein, serve with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a hearty meal.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta types?: Absolutely! Linguine, penne, or fettuccine work well and offer different textures and sauce clinging.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a smoky, hearty alternative.
Is it better to use fresh or canned tomatoes?: Canned diced tomatoes save time and ensure consistent flavor, but fresh ripe tomatoes can be used if prepared properly.
How do I get bacon extra crispy?: Cook bacon over medium heat, allowing fat to render slowly, flipping occasionally until golden and crisp.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?: Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before combining with pasta.
What cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese both offer delicious salty, nutty flavors similar to Parmesan.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?: The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your palate.