Rigatoni with Smoky Bacon and Tomatoes
This flavorful sauce perks up weeknight pasta, but not so much that the kids will turn their noses at it.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 yellow onion finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 16 oz. rigatoni noodles (use wheat/gluten-free if needed)
- 4 oz. bacon (turkey, pork, or meatless) about 4 slices, diced
- 28 - 30 oz. diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning or use 2 lbs. diced fresh tomatoes + 1 tsp. dried oregano and 1 tsp. dried basil
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, and cook the bacon and onions until they are browned, 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to the package directions.
- Add the tomatoes to the bacon-onion mixture.
- Bring it to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer it until the noodles are cooked.
- Drain the rigatoni and immediately transfer it to a large metal serving bowl.
- Top it with the tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and toss thoroughly. Serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Slow Cooker Directions: Omit the oil. Combine all the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours or on high for 4 - 5 hours. Serve over cooked rigatoni, topped with Parmesan cheese. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Dice and refrigerate the bacon, dice the onion and the tomatoes if using fresh, cook the pasta and store tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking, grate the Parmesan cheese if needed and refrigerate, or fully prepare and refrigerate the dish.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve the pasta with crushed red pepper flakes.
Tip: When it works with your recipe, purchase tomatoes that have a higher skin-to-pulp ratio. (Like cherry tomatoes instead of heirloom tomatoes.) The smaller varieties of vegetables often have less water and therefore a more intense flavor.
Like this recipe? Check out The Scramble's family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!
Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 300, Total Fat: 6g, 9%; Saturated Fat: 2g, 10%; Cholesterol: 10mg, 3%; Sodium: 710mg, 30%; Total Carbohydrate: 48g, 16%; Dietary Fiber: 2g, 8%; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 12g
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