Looking for a quick dinner you can get on the table fast? This tasty tomato and bacon pasta is ready in under 30 minutes, and it’s become one of our regular midweek meals — it’s speedy, simple, and the whole family actually asks for it.
You may also enjoy: 9 Simple Pasta Recipes for Kids
Tomato and Bacon Pasta Recipe
When you’re busy during the week and need to get a family dinner on the table quickly, recipes that take less than 30 minutes are always a win — but they need to be tasty too, or they don’t make it onto the regular rotation. This tomato and bacon pasta is loosely based on a classic Italian pasta sauce, Amatriciana, and it hits the spot every time.
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Packet of pasta, e.g. penne or farfalle
- 250g of bacon bits or pancetta
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- Some passata
- Basil
- Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese, grated
How to Make It
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the pack instructions, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon bits or pancetta in a large pan over a medium heat until golden and starting to crisp. Add the chopped tomatoes and a splash of passata, then stir well and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly and the flavours come together.
Tear in some fresh basil, then toss the drained pasta through the sauce until everything is well coated. Serve straight away with a generous grating of Parmesan or Grana Padano on top.
A Few Tips
- If you’re cooking for younger children, taste the sauce before serving — a squeeze of tomato or a pinch of sugar can soften the flavour if it’s a little sharp for little palates.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day, making this a handy one to double up for lunch the following day.
- Swap in wholemeal pasta or add a handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn to sneak in some extra veg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes — penne and farfalle work well because they hold the sauce nicely, but any short pasta shape you have in the cupboard will do the job.
Can I make this without bacon?
You can leave the bacon out for a veggie version, or swap it for mushrooms fried until golden for a similar savoury base to the sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cooked pasta dishes with a tomato-based sauce generally freeze reasonably well in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot before serving.
More Family Recipes You Might Like
If this one goes down well, take a look at our other quick family recipes, including more simple pasta ideas the kids can help prepare and other easy midweek dinners on MyKidsTime.
Save This for Your Next Busy Weeknight
Short on time again next week? Bookmark this recipe or save it to your meal-planning list so it’s ready to go the next time you need dinner on the table fast.
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