Bacon pasta in the oven

Name: Bacon pasta in the oven - Eliza I.
Ingredients: 300 g pasta; 2 eggs; 100 g sour cream; bacon; basil; cheese; salt; flour; butter for greasing the pan

Pasta/Pizza - Bacon pasta in the oven by Eliza I. - Recipia

I tried this baked pasta recipe with bacon one evening when I needed something filling yet simple. There aren't many ingredients, and everything cooks quickly. I got right to work because I already had everything I needed in the fridge – I often use pasta, and I usually keep bacon for recipes like this. I was drawn to the idea of mixing everything and finishing the dish in the oven, without complications. Quick info Total time: about 45 minutes Preparation time: 10-15 minutes Cooking/baking time: 20 minutes in the oven, plus the time to boil the pasta and fry the bacon Servings: 3-4 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: baked pasta, hearty lunch or dinner Ingredients 300 g pasta (tubular or as preferred) 2 eggs 100 g sour cream bacon (the amount can be adjusted; I use 100-120 g) basil (fresh or dried) grated cheese (for the sauce and for the topping) salt 1 tablespoon of flour butter (for greasing the dish) a little olive oil (for the pasta, optional) Preparation method 1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 2. While the pasta is boiling, cut the bacon into small cubes and fry it in a dry pan, without oil. The bacon will release its own fat, so no additional fat is needed. Cook until it becomes crispy. 3. In a bowl, combine the two eggs, sour cream, and flour. Whisk well until you achieve a smooth cream with a consistency similar to mayonnaise. Add basil, a bit of grated cheese, and salt to taste. 4. When the pasta is ready, drain it and rinse it under cold water. Rinse thoroughly to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. You can add a teaspoon of olive oil and mix gently. 5. Incorporate the pasta into the egg, sour cream, and cheese mixture. Add the fried bacon and mix everything together. 6. Grease a baking dish with butter. Pour the pasta mixture in, leveling it slightly. 7. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese on top. 8. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 20 minutes. At the end, the cheese on top should be golden and melted. Why I make this recipe often I cook it quite often because it doesn't require complicated ingredients and works with what I have in the fridge. It comes together quickly, and I've never had issues with the pasta sticking or the sauce. I like that I can prepare everything in advance, and after 20 minutes in the oven, the meal is ready. Tips and variations Tips - Do not add oil to the pan for the bacon, even if it seems like it will stick – as it heats, the bacon releases fat. - Rinse the pasta well with cold water after boiling to prevent sticking. - For a crispier topping, you can add a little more cheese. Substitutions - Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter sauce, but the texture will be slightly different. - The cheese can be any type of hard cheese that melts (e.g., Gouda or Emmental). - Bacon can be replaced with ham or even leftover cooked meat, but the flavor will be different. Variations - You can add sautéed mushrooms along with the bacon for extra flavor. - If you want it spicier, sprinkle a little pepper or chili flakes in the sauce. - For a richer texture, you can put a few pieces of butter on the pasta before baking. Serving ideas - It pairs well with a simple green salad as a side dish. - It is hearty enough for both lunch and dinner. - It can be served straight from the dish, warm, without any additional sides. Frequently asked questions 1. What type of pasta can I use? Any short, tubular pasta or shells are suitable. I do not recommend spaghetti for this recipe, as it doesn't mix as well with the sauce and bacon. 2. Can it be made without flour? Flour helps the sauce to bind, but if you don't have it, you can omit it – the sauce will just be a little more fluid. 3. Can I use smoked bacon? Yes, smoked bacon adds more flavor. Just be careful with the amount of salt added to the rest of the recipe. 4. What if I don’t have basil? Basil is for flavor, but it is not mandatory. You can use oregano or even skip it. 5. Can it be prepared a day in advance? You can prepare the pasta and bacon ahead of time, but I recommend mixing the sauce and baking just before serving. Nutritional values Approximately, one serving (out of 4) has about 400-450 kcal, with variations depending on the type of cheese and bacon used. Protein: 18-22 g Carbohydrates: 45-50 g Fats: 18-25 g These values are indicative and depend on the exact ingredients used and the amounts of cheese and bacon. Storage and reheating Baked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator, in a covered dish, for up to 2 days. When reheating in the oven or microwave, it loses some of its texture, but it is still edible. I do not recommend keeping it longer, as the egg and sour cream can change the taste. The best result is when consumed fresh.

Bacon pasta in the oven

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