Easy Lemon Garlic Bacon Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoes & Mozzarella: Your Ultimate Weeknight Italian Delight
Indulge in the simple yet sophisticated flavors of our **Bacon and Tomato Spaghetti with Mozzarella**. This incredibly easy-to-make pasta dish is a true testament to the beauty of Italian-inspired cuisine, bringing together robust, savory, and fresh ingredients into a harmonious meal. Imagine the irresistible aroma of salty bacon sizzling, the vibrant burst of juicy tomatoes, and the comforting creaminess of fresh mozzarella, all perfectly intertwined with al dente spaghetti. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a quick culinary escape, ideal for those bustling weeknights when you crave something genuinely delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Irresistible Appeal of Lemony Spaghetti with Bacon, Tomato, and Mozzarella
In our home, the announcement of a pasta dish always sparks excitement, and this spaghetti with tomato, bacon, and mozzarella is no exception. It’s a guaranteed hit across all ages, with children particularly fond of the savory bacon and the mild, milky mozzarella. As for the adults, we appreciate its deliciousness and, more importantly, how incredibly quick it is to prepare, making it an ideal choice for our busiest days.
This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon strips render a beautiful fat, infusing the pasta with a deeply satisfying salty and smoky essence. The diced tomatoes burst with a sweet and fresh tang, providing a crucial acidic balance to the richness of the bacon and cheese. But what truly elevates this spaghetti is the aromatic foundation: pungent garlic, earthy rosemary, bright parsley, and a final flourish of tangy lemon zest. These elements layer to create a complex yet approachable flavor profile. And of course, no Italian-inspired pasta would be complete without mozzarella, whose creamy, melting texture brings a luxurious finish to every bite.
Beyond its fantastic taste, this recipe stands out for its simplicity. It’s a powerful reminder that truly exceptional home cooking doesn’t require a complicated ingredient list or hours of kitchen time. This bacon, tomato, and mozzarella spaghetti is consistently a success, proving how effortlessly delicious and rewarding cooking can be!
Why This Bacon and Tomato Spaghetti Recipe Works Wonders
This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary strategy for success, especially when time is of the essence. Here’s why it consistently delights:
- Speed & Convenience: From prep to plate, this dish is ready in approximately 20 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout. It’s the ultimate solution for a quick yet wholesome weeknight meal.
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of salty, smoky bacon, sweet and tangy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. The fresh herbs and lemon zest add layers of brightness that prevent the dish from feeling heavy.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The familiar flavors of bacon, pasta, and mild cheese make this a universally loved meal, even by the pickiest eaters. It’s a fantastic way to introduce fresh vegetables and herbs into their diet.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any exotic items for this recipe. Most ingredients are pantry staples, easily found in any grocery store, reinforcing its accessibility and everyday appeal.
- Versatile: While perfect as is, this recipe is also incredibly adaptable. It serves as a fantastic base for adding more vegetables or even switching up the protein, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound bacon bits
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, squeezed
- 28 oz. diced tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- ½ pound mini Mozzarella, halved
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water with 2 teaspoons of salt to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately one cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent it from sticking.1 pound spaghetti
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In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the bacon bits and fry for about 1 minute until they start to crisp. Next, add the chopped onion and dried rosemary, stirring frequently and stir-frying for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Finally, add the squeezed garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ pound bacon bits, 1 onion, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 2 cloves garlic
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Carefully pour the reserved pasta water into the pan with the bacon mixture. Stir vigorously with a wooden spatula, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Add the diced tomatoes, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat slightly and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.28 oz. diced tomatoes
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Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is completely coated with the rich bacon and tomato sauce. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.salt and pepper
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Divide the flavorful spaghetti evenly among serving plates. Garnish each portion generously with the halved mini mozzarella balls, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and a final zest of lemon. Serve this vibrant and satisfying dish immediately while the mozzarella is still wonderfully soft and melty!1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, ½ pound mini Mozzarella, 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
Notes
2. Adding More Vegetables: This pasta dish is incredibly versatile! To boost your vegetable intake, feel free to incorporate additional veggies into the sauce. Fresh spinach can be stirred in at the very end until just wilted. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added along with the onion and sautéed until tender.
3. Variations & Customizations:
- Pasta Type: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for a different texture.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can be added along with parsley for an extra layer of Italian flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Cheesy Boost: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving can add another dimension of savory flavor.
4. Perfect Pasta Tips:
- Always use a large pot and plenty of salted water for cooking pasta. This ensures even cooking and flavors the pasta from within.
- Cooking to “al dente” means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not soft or mushy.
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It’s rich in starch and helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and helping it cling better to the pasta.
5. Serving Suggestions: This vibrant pasta dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a wine pairing, consider a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or a crisp white like a Sauvignon Blanc.
6. Storage: Pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Let the spaghetti with tomato, bacon, and mozzarella cool quickly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat: Gently warm in the microwave, or for a stovetop method, add two tablespoons of water or chicken broth to a skillet with the pasta and fry over medium heat until thoroughly warm, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
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Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes!
If you loved this quick and flavorful Bacon, Tomato & Mozzarella Spaghetti, you’re in for a treat! Pasta is a versatile and comforting staple that offers endless possibilities. Dive into our collection of other fantastic pasta dishes, perfect for any day of the week, from refreshing salads to hearty main courses.
- Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Smoked Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche
- Arugula Risotto Recipe with Lemon Zest and Parmesan Cheese