Creamy tomato pasta with bacon breadcrumbs

Creamy tomato pasta is always a good idea but add crunchy, smoky bacon breadcrumbs and you take it to a whole new level of awesome.

Ingredients

Full recipe with amounts can be found in the recipe card below. 

• Bacon. I used streaky bacon.
• Ciabatta bread. 
• Oregano.
• Chilli flakes. 
• Parmesan cheese. 
• Onion. 
• Garlic. 
• Tomato puree/passata. Crushed tomatoes can also be used.
• Tomato paste. 
• Cream. 
• Salt and pepper. 
• Spaghetti. 

How to make creamy tomato pasta with bacon breadcrumbs

1. Make the breadcrumbs: Cube the ciabatta and place in a sheetpan. Add strips of bacon then drizzle with a little olive oil and season with oregano and chilli flakes. Place in the oven and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes until the bread and bacon are crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature then transfer to a food processor. Pulse until the bread and bacon are broken up into crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add finely grated Parmesan.
2. Make the creamy tomato pasta: In a saucepan sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add the oregano and cook for another 20-30 seconds before pouring in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer then pour in the cream and season to taste. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble: Add cooked pasta and a splash of the pasta’s cooking water and toss well. Serve with a generous spoonful of bacon breadcrumbs and fresh basil.

Can I make this in advance?

The breadcrumbs can be made and frozen for up to 3 months. Similarly, the creamy tomato sauce can be made and frozen or kept in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

Tomato pasta recipes

1. Easy cherry tomato prosciutto pasta
2. Tomato cream rigatoni
3. Bucatini Amatriciana