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
Scale
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.
