BLT Pasta - beautifully plated pasta dish

BLT Pasta

All the flavours of a BLT sandwich transformed into a quick pasta with crispy bacon, arugula, and cherry tomatoes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

12 min

Servings

4

Calories

420

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I start boiling water the moment I walk into the kitchen — it's the bottleneck. Everything else can happen while you wait.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about turning a classic BLT sandwich into a warm bowl of pasta. This dish takes the beloved combo of crispy bacon, fresh greens, and sweet tomatoes and transforms it into a comforting weeknight meal that comes together in just 22 minutes. The arugula wilts slightly from the heat, the cherry tomatoes burst with juice, and the bacon adds salty crunch to every bite.

What I love most is how the garlic and onion build a savoury foundation that lets the BLT flavours shine without overpowering them. The pasta water creates a silky coating that clings to every strand, making this feel far more elegant than its humble origins suggest. It's the kind of recipe that turns a tired Tuesday night into something worth looking forward to.

Tips for the Best BLT Pasta

Réservez au moins une tasse d'eau de cuisson avant d'égoutter les pâtes — ce liquide amylacé est essentiel pour émulsionner la sauce en un nappage brillant. Salez généreusement votre eau de cuisson, elle devrait avoir le goût de la mer. Et sortez les pâtes une minute avant la fin indiquée si vous prévoyez de les finir dans la poêle; elles absorberont la sauce et se cuiront parfaitement.

What to Serve With It

Serve this straight from the pan with a hunk of crusty French bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce. A glass of crisp white wine like a dry Pinot Grigio or a light Ontario Riesling pairs beautifully. For a heartier spread, add a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus — keeps the focus on the pasta without competing with it.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up. The bacon will soften slightly, but the garlic-onion base holds up nicely. Avoid microwaving, which tends to dry out the pasta unevenly.

Nutrition Facts

420

cal

16g

Protein

14g

Fat

48g

Carbs

6g

Fiber

675mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spinach instead of arugula?+

Absolutely. Spinach wilts faster than arugula, so add it during the last minute of cooking just to take the chill off. Baby spinach works best here.

How do I get the bacon extra crispy?+

Cook it in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding the oil. Render slowly so the fat melts out and the pieces turn golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels before tossing everything together.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the bacon and chop the tomatoes ahead. Toss everything together just before serving for the best texture and flavour.

What's the best pasta shape for this?+

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully because their ridges and tubes catch the sauce well. Long shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine also work if you prefer a more traditional feel.

Can I add more tomato flavour?+

Yes — stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic for depth, or add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes during the last two minutes of cooking so they blister and release their juices.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (4)

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.

David C.★★★★★

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.