Savory Bacon and Tomato Shell Pasta
This delicious Savory Bacon and Tomato Shell Pasta is a creative concoction inspired by my daughter, who transformed some simple ingredients into a mouthwatering family favorite. Featuring thick-cut bacon, juicy grape tomatoes, and creamy Colby cheese tossed with shell pasta, this dish offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for a cozy dinner, and the leftovers make for a refreshing cold pasta salad—just add a dollop of Miracle Whip and some extra cheese. Enjoy this versatile recipe that's sure to become a staple in your home!
6
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick-sliced bacon
1 lb (cut into small pieces)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (halved, seeds gently squeezed out)
small shell pasta
2 lbs (cooked)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Colby cheese
1/2 lb (cut into small chunks)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and stir in the melted butter to prevent sticking.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are half crispy, then drain the excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small bits.
3
Once the pasta is ready, add the crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, and chunks of Colby cheese into the pot with the pasta. Stir in a teaspoon of the reserved bacon grease for added flavor.
4
Mix everything well, allowing the heat from the pasta to melt the cheese slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
5
Serve warm, or let it cool down and refrigerate to enjoy as a refreshing cold pasta salad later.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon and Tomato Shell Pasta?
It is a creative pasta dish featuring thick-cut bacon, grape tomatoes, and Colby cheese.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the author's daughter who transformed simple ingredients into a family favorite.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of small shell pasta.
How much bacon is needed?
You will need 1 lb of thick-sliced bacon.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until half crispy, then crumble it into bits.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use one pint of grape tomatoes.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
The tomatoes should be halved with the seeds gently squeezed out.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of Colby cheese.
How should the Colby cheese be cut?
The cheese should be cut into small chunks.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Why is butter added to the pasta?
Melted butter is stirred into the cooked pasta to prevent it from sticking.
Should I keep any bacon grease?
Yes, stir in one teaspoon of reserved bacon grease for added flavor.
How do I cook the pasta?
Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, it can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a refreshing cold pasta salad.
How can I customize the cold pasta salad version?
Add a dollop of Miracle Whip and some extra cheese to the cold leftovers.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
What seasonings are recommended?
Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe perfect for a cozy dinner.
What is the main texture of the dish?
It offers a medley of textures including crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese.
How do I melt the cheese?
The heat from the freshly cooked pasta will slightly melt the Colby cheese chunks.
Can I use regular bacon?
The recipe specifies thick-sliced bacon for the best flavor and texture.
Is this a good family meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as a mouthwatering family favorite.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, bacon, tomato, comfort food, and family meal.
What is the ingredient count?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
When should I add the tomatoes and bacon?
Add them to the pot once the pasta is cooked, drained, and buttered.