Creamy Pink Bow Tie Pasta with Crispy Bacon
This delightful Creamy Pink Bow Tie Pasta dish combines crispy bacon and a luscious pink cream sauce, perfect for impressing friends and family at any dinner gathering. The vibrant tomato and cream blend creates a beautifully rich sauce, while the bow tie pasta adds a charming touch. Finished off with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings and make for a spectacular presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (diced)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Italian plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (coarsely chopped)
whipping cream
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
bow tie pasta
12 ounces (cooked)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (minced)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated for serving)
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the red pepper flakes, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the coarsely chopped Italian plum tomatoes along with their juice. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
4
Next, add the whipping cream and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer on low heat until it slightly thickens, about 15 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
7
Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
How much bacon is needed for the dish?
You will need 1/2 lb of diced bacon.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until it becomes crispy.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the pink sauce?
The recipe specifies using one 28-ounce can of Italian plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped.
Should I drain the juice from the canned tomatoes?
No, you should stir in the coarsely chopped tomatoes along with their juice.
How much whipping cream is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream to create the luscious pink sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this pasta dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How long does the sauce need to simmer after adding the cream?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until it slightly thickens.
What is the recommended preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced, measuring approximately 1/2 cup.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving after removing it from the heat.
What herb is used for garnishing?
Fresh minced parsley is used to garnish the dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while bow tie pasta is traditional for this look, penne or fusilli would also hold the creamy sauce well.
How do I know when the onions and garlic are ready?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
'Al dente' means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, usually 1-2 minutes less than the full cook time.
How do I achieve the 'pink' color in the sauce?
The pink color is achieved by blending the red Italian plum tomatoes and their juice with the white whipping cream.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use a bit of olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and garlic.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
A standard 28-ounce can of Italian plum tomatoes is required.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust to taste at the end.
What heat setting should I use for simmering the sauce?
Use a low heat setting to prevent the cream from boiling too vigorously or curdling.
Is fresh or dried parsley better?
The recipe recommends 3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley for the best flavor and presentation.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
What equipment is best for cooking the sauce?
A heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution while cooking the bacon and sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream is a suitable substitute and may result in an even richer sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, the vibrant pink sauce and bow tie pasta make for a spectacular and charming presentation.
Can I add more Parmesan than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding Parmesan cheese 'to taste' for serving.
What if I don't have Italian plum tomatoes?
You can substitute with canned crushed tomatoes, though the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: bacon, red pepper flakes, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cream, salt, pasta, parsley, and Parmesan.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
No, do not rinse the pasta; the starch on the surface helps the creamy sauce cling to the noodles.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the pasta may absorb some sauce over time.