Tagliatelle with tomato sauce and bacon

Name: Tagliatelle with tomato sauce and bacon - Isabela J.
Ingredients: 200 g Tagliatelle; 1 onion; 1 red bell pepper; 350 g homemade tomato sauce; 2 large cloves of garlic; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon flour; fresh basil; salt and pepper to taste; 100 g Black Forest ham

Pasta/Pizza - Tagliatelle with tomato sauce and bacon by Isabela J. - Recipia

I was having a hectic day when I got home, and I wasn't in the mood for complicated recipes. I wanted something quick but satisfying. Tagliatelle with tomato sauce and bacon is the recipe I turn to every time in such moments. It’s prepared in a short time, the ingredients are simple, and the taste is just right for a peaceful meal after a long day. Quick Info Total time: about 30 minutes Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes Servings: 2-3 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: quick lunch or dinner Ingredients 200 g tagliatelle 1 medium onion 1 red bell pepper 350 g tomato puree (preferably homemade) 2 large garlic cloves 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon flour fresh basil (a few leaves, chopped) salt and pepper, to taste 100 g Black Forest ham Instructions 1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water. Don’t let them sit in water for too long to avoid sticking or becoming too soft. 2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes slightly translucent. 3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the pan. Mix well, then gradually add the tomato puree, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the teaspoon of sugar. 4. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the finely chopped garlic and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Continue to simmer the sauce for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. 6. Meanwhile, fry the Black Forest ham. Place the slices in a pan with a little heated oil and brown them on both sides. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess fat. 7. When the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to it and mix to coat evenly. 8. Serve immediately, with the fried bacon on the side or on top. Why I make this recipe often This is one of those recipes I keep close because it’s quick and doesn’t require complicated planning. The taste is balanced, the crispy bacon adds texture, and I usually have the ingredients on hand. Tips and Variations Tips - If you use homemade tomato puree, the flavor will be more intense. Store-bought is fine, but choose one without too much sugar or additives. - Don’t let the flour burn when you add it to the pan; stir quickly to avoid a bitter taste. - Don’t add all the tomato puree at once, so you can adjust the sauce's consistency. - Don’t rinse the pasta with cold water for too long; just enough to prevent sticking until mixed with the sauce. Substitutions - If you can’t find Black Forest ham, any smoked bacon works well. - If you don’t have tagliatelle, you can use any other long pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine). - If you don’t have fresh basil, a pinch of dried basil will work. Variations - For a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of chili along with the garlic. - If you want a creamier sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end (this isn’t in the classic recipe, but sometimes I tweak it a bit). - For extra vegetables, add diced zucchini or chopped mushrooms during the sautéing phase. Serving Ideas - You can sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if you like. - It pairs well with a simple green salad. - It’s also suitable for a packed lunch, but the pasta will absorb the sauce if it sits too long. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Do I need to rinse the pasta after boiling? I rinse it briefly under cold water to prevent sticking, but I don’t let it cool completely. This helps avoid clumping. 2. Can I use another type of ham or bacon? Yes, any type of smoked bacon or even thinly sliced ham works. It’s important to fry it to make it crispy. 3. If I don’t have flour, can I skip that step? You can omit the flour, but the sauce will be thinner. If you don’t mind a more liquid texture, it’s not a major issue. 4. Can I prepare the sauce in advance? The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it gently before adding the pasta. 5. How salty should the sauce be? Season to taste at the end, keeping in mind the bacon, which is quite salty. Nutritional Values Estimate for one serving (from 2-3 servings, so for a generous portion): Calories: approximately 480-550 kcal Protein: 18-22 g Carbohydrates: 65-70 g Fat: 16-20 g Values may vary depending on the type of pasta and ham used. Salt and Parmesan can increase the sodium content. Storage and Reheating The pasta is best when freshly made, but if there are leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a little water, but the texture of the pasta will change and become softer. The fried bacon is best fresh; if reheated, it won’t stay crispy.

Tagliatelle with tomato sauce and bacon

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