If you love the classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato but want a hearty twist, this BLT Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brilliantly captures all the flavors you adore from a BLT sandwich and turns them into a satisfying pasta dish. With crispy bacon, sweet roasted tomatoes, tender leeks, and fresh spinach all mingling in a delicately tangy sauce, every bite is a comforting celebration of texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking dinner for your family or craving something special on a weeknight, this BLT Pasta Recipe is simple, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may sound straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your BLT Pasta Recipe. From the savory crunch of bacon to the subtle sweetness of caramelized tomatoes and the fresh earthiness of spinach, every item is essential to making this dish shine.
- Bacon (4 strips, cooked): Brings a smoky, crispy element that’s the heart of this dish.
- Grape tomatoes (1.5 cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they caramelize beautifully for extra depth.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness when cooked.
- Leeks (1 cup, thinly sliced): Adds gentle onion-like flavor and tender texture.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Provides acidity and richness to deglaze the pan.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Balances flavors and keeps the sauce light but savory.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tsp): Introduces a subtle tanginess that brightens the whole dish.
- Pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers an understated kick to complement the savory ingredients.
- Bucatini or spaghetti (8 oz, dry): The perfect pasta to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh spinach leaves (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild bitterness.
- Fresh thyme (1/4 tsp, minced): A fragrant herb that lifts the sauce with subtle earthiness.
- Optional crushed red pepper (1/4 tsp): For those who like a little heat to spice things up.
How to Make BLT Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by thinly slicing your leeks and halving the grape tomatoes. A quick tip: if you haven’t used leeks much, remember they can trap grit, so give them a thorough rinse before slicing to avoid any sandy crunch in your pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the bucatini or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Timing is key here; cook until al dente so it holds its texture amidst the saucy mix.
Step 3: Sauté Tomatoes and Leeks
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Toss in the grape tomatoes and sprinkle the sugar on top. Let them caramelize for about 5 minutes, allowing those natural sugars to deepen the flavor. Then add the sliced leeks and sauté until they become tender and fragrant, usually around 4 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in half a cup of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those tasty caramelized bits. Let the wine simmer until it’s almost evaporated, concentrating the flavors. Following this, add the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, pepper, and crushed red pepper if you’re using it. Simmer the mixture until the liquid reduces by about a third, roughly 5 minutes—this step thickens the sauce and intensifies the taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finishing Touches
Stir in the fresh spinach, minced thyme, and cooked diced bacon into the skillet. When the spinach wilts slightly, add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the noodles are splendidly coated in the savory sauce. At this stage, taste and season with salt as needed. And there you have it, your BLT Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve BLT Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino adds a creamy, salty finish that complements the smoky bacon and tangy tomato sauce. Fresh basil or a few extra thyme leaves scattered on top bring a fragrant brightness, making the dish visually stunning and flavor-forward.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the BLT Pasta Recipe. Garlic bread or crusty French bread also work great to mop up every last bit of the sauce; a perfect addition if you want to elevate your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the BLT Pasta Recipe right from the skillet to keep the warmth and rustic charm intact. For a dinner party, plate it elegantly twirled on individual dishes, topped with a piece of crispy bacon and a sprig of fresh herb for visual appeal that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover BLT Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or quick dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well, though the spinach might lose some texture. Freeze in portions with airtight lids or freezer bags, and it can be safely kept for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving on high to maintain the ideal taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of leeks?
Yes, regular onions can substitute for leeks if needed, but leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the dish more delicately. If using onions, choose a sweet variety and slice them thinly for a similar result.
Is there a vegetarian version of this BLT Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the bacon for your favorite veggie bacon or smoked tempeh to maintain that smoky, savory quality. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it totally vegetarian without sacrificing depth of flavor.
What wine works best for cooking this dish?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully to add acidity and subtle fruit notes without overpowering the other flavors in the BLT Pasta Recipe.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Yes, just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta as a substitute. Cook it according to package directions and proceed with the recipe as usual for a gluten-free version of this tasty dish.
How long does this BLT Pasta Recipe take from start to finish?
From prepping ingredients to plating, this recipe can be ready in about 45 minutes total. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Recipe offers such a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing together comfort and freshness in every bite. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who appreciates simple ingredients transformed into something special. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
BLT Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Pasta recipe combines the classic flavors of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich into a comforting pasta dish. Featuring caramelized grape tomatoes, sautéed leeks, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon tossed with bucatini or spaghetti, this dish is elevated with a white wine and broth reduction for a flavorful, easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 strips of cooked bacon (or veggie bacon)
Vegetables
- 1.5 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced leeks
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 tsp minced fresh thyme
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 8 oz dry bucatini or spaghetti
- Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the leeks: Thinly slice the leeks, making sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any sand or grit before slicing.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the grape tomatoes in half and set aside.
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the halved grape tomatoes and sugar, cooking them until they begin to brown and caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the leeks: Add the sliced leeks to the skillet with the tomatoes and cook until wilted, approximately 4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer until the wine is nearly evaporated.
- Add broth and seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces by about one-third, roughly 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Add the fresh spinach, minced fresh thyme, cooked diced bacon, and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Season with salt to taste and serve immediately for a delightful and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Rinse leeks thoroughly to avoid grit in the dish.
- Use veggie bacon and vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- White wine can be substituted with more broth if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
