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    Home » Pasta Recipes

    Published: Apr 19, 2020 · Modified: Jul 26, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Tomato Bacon Pasta with Mascarpone

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    Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is tiny pasta in a smooth, creamy mascarpone sauce with a hint of bacon. It's a wonderfully easy, comforting, and delicious dish.

    A vertical closeup image of tomato bacon pasta in a white bowl with fresh basil as garnish.

    If you're looking for an easy dish that will please even the pickiest eaters, then this creamy tomato bacon pasta dish is just what you're looking for.

    Even the kids will gobble up this cheesy pasta in no time flat scoring you big points at the dinner table!

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making tomato bacon pasta is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    Closeup title text image of a bowl of tomato bacon pasta with a red and white check tablecloth

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • dry pasta, your favorite small variety
    • onion
    • bacon
    • anchovy paste (optional)
    • garlic
    • dried basil
    • dried oregano
    • canned crushed tomatoes
    • mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice)
    • white vinegar (just a tiny splash)
    • kosher salt and black pepper
    • extra virgin olive oil
    • Parmesan cheese
    • fresh basil, for garnish

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large skillet
    • pasta pot or large stockpot
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • cheese grater
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • wooden spoon or spatula
    • strainer
    • paper towels (for draining the bacon)
    A horizontal photo of a large bowl filled with tomato bacon pasta sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves as garnish.

    How to make tomato bacon pasta:

    • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium/high heat.
    • Add the chopped onion, and anchovy paste.
    • Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent.
    • If needed, drain off excess fat from the skillet (optional).
    • Cook the pasta in a large pot, according to the package directions.
    • Meanwhile, add the crushed tomatoes to the bacon and onions in the skillet along with the mascarpone cheese, salt, pepper, vinegar, dried basil, and dried oregano.
    • Stir and cook over medium heat.
    • Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce and bacon mixture and stir well.
    • Serve in bowls along with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves if desired.

    How this recipe came to be:

    I have a confession to make. I have a mad passion for grocery stores. I especially love finding new ones that I've never shopped at before so I can peruse the aisles, and ponder all the possibilities.

    That's why when a huge new Italian market opened not far from where I live my heart started beating fast as I walked in the doors.

    With no list in hand, I let my imagination guide me through the rows and rows of wonderfully authentic Italian ingredients and let my nose guide me through the deliciously prepared baked goods in the bakery department. To say I was in heaven is an understatement!

    What I wound up with was an odd and random assortment of incredible goodies that I happily pulled off the shelves and stuck in my cart, all the while my mind whirling with ideas and inspiration.

    The result of that shopping trip is this Tomato Bacon Pasta with Mascarpone that is topped with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil that no doubt helps push the applause meter over the top on this creamy pasta dish.

    I hope you're ready to take your bow... because you will 100% deserve it once you set this on the table!

    What is mascarpone cheese?

    Mascarpone is an Italian creamy cheese that can be used in sweet and savory dishes.

    It is similar in flavor to an American cream cheese except that it has more fat and a creamier texture.

    Think of mascarpone as an American cream cheese that has been blended with heavy cream, with a tiny touch of lemon juice added to cut through all the richness.

    Can cream cheese be substituted for the mascarpone in this recipe?

    Yes! But as I stated above, there are a few additional steps you'll need to add to this recipe if using cream cheese in place of mascarpone.

    They're optional, of course, because, let's face it, cream cheese tastes good in just about ANY recipe, but if you're trying to mimic the flavor of mascarpone for this recipe, in particular, these are the steps you'll need to take...

    • Bring the ½ cup of cream cheese to room temperature.
    • In a medium bowl mash the softened cream cheese with a fork, and stir in approximately ¼ cup of heavy cream and ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
    • Stir well, and continue on with the recipe as written.

    Want to make your own mascarpone cheese at home?

    Here are a few recipes I think you'll enjoy:

    *How to Make Homemade Mascarpone from The View From Great Island

    *10-Minute Mascarpone Cheese From Food52

    *Homemade Mascarpone from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

     

    Can this completed dish be frozen?

    Sure can!

    Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months

     

    How long will this dish last in the fridge?

    If stored properly in an airtight container, this tomato bacon pasta will last for up to 5-6 days in the refrigerator.

    Can the bacon be omitted from this recipe?

    Yes, certainly! In doing so, you now have a meatless meal sure to please just about anyone!

    Can other meat be used in this recipe?

    Sure! Just make sure they're pre-cooked first.

    Here are some suggestions:

    • pepperoni
    • Italian sausage, pre-cooked
    • chicken (rotisserie chicken or leftovers would be great)
    • ground turkey (possibly made into meatballs) pre-cooked
    • ground beef, pre-cooked
     
    Closeup vertical image of tomato bacon pasta with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
     

    Need dishes to serve alongside this tomato bacon pasta?

    *Fool-Proof Italian Herb and Parmesan Quick Bread (pictured below and showcased in the featured video)

    "This Italian herb quick bread comes together in a snap with only one bowl, one spoon, and no kneading required. It’s fast, easy, and super delicious!"

    Italian Herb and Parmesan Quick Bread
     

    *Strawberry and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad (pictured below)

    "Sweet strawberries, tart sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil mingle together nicely in this savory Strawberry Basil Salad. They’re then dressed with a light and tasty balsamic vanilla vinegar and topped with almond slices."

    *Cream Cheese Cookies with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting (pictured below)

    "What makes these Cream Cheese Cookies doubly delicious is the creamy cheesecake dollop on top! When you can’t decide between cookies or cheesecake, this is the treat for you!"

    Cream Cheese Cookies with Creamy Cheesecake Topping
     

    *Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta with Mascarpone (pictured below) - This is the place!

     
    A vertical closeup image of a bowl of tomato bacon pasta with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over top and some fresh basil.

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's easy 30 minute or less dinner of tomato bacon pasta with mascarpone.

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    A large bowl of bacon tomato pasta with fresh basil and tomatoes in the background

    Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta

    Renee Goerger
    Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is small pasta in a smooth, creamy mascarpone sauce with a hint of bacon. It's a wonderfully easy, comforting and delicious dish.
    4.41 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Pasta
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 218 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 3 slices bacon finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 cans 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
    • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
    • 1 teaspoon white or red wine vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ pound small pasta cooked according to package directions, and drained.
    • Extra virgin olive oil to finish optional
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to garnish optional
    • Fresh basil leaves to garnish optional

    Instructions
     

    • While the pasta is cooking brown the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the onion, anchovy paste, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent (approximately 2-3 minutes), stirring occasionally.
    • Drain the pasta and cover to keep warm.
    • Stir the tomatoes, mascarpone, vinegar, salt, and pepper into the skillet to combine.
    • Add the sauce into the drained pasta and stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
    • Spoon the pasta into bowls, top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig or two of fresh basil leaves.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 378mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's fast, easy and delicious Italian meal of tomato bacon pasta with mascarpone as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

     

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Leftover Turkey with Linguine Casserole
    • Alfredo Mac and Cheese
    • Spaghetti Stuffed Bell Peppers
    • Ravioli with Pumpkin Vodka Sauce and Sausage

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      April 20, 2020 at 8:55 am

      I'm making this for the weekend, I bet everyone is going to devour it!

      Reply
    2. Denay DeGuzman says

      April 19, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      Whoah...I'm practically drooling just looking at this delicious recipe! I love pasta, bacon, and Mascarpone. What an incredible blend. I look forward to making this for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    3. Angie Barrett says

      April 29, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      I've never had a mascarpone tomato sauce! I bet it's amazing! Also, I'm in LOVE with those aprons that you've been working on!

      Reply
    4. Samantha says

      April 29, 2015 at 12:48 am

      You had me at bacon, and pasta and mascarpone! Oh and tomatoes!

      Also that apron is SO cool! Amazing job!

      Reply
    5. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      April 29, 2015 at 12:27 am

      Oh, I'm the same way. I can spend hours getting lost in the aisles of a good, interesting market! This dish sounds lovely...creamy and tomatoey...mmmm!

      Reply
    6. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

      April 28, 2015 at 11:46 pm

      I really love what you ended up making! I could eat pasta any day of the week!

      Reply
    7. Nikki says

      April 28, 2015 at 8:52 pm

      I'm right there with you: I love grocery stores too! Lots of women crave shoe sales. I crave grocery sales. Don't let me near the REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE baskets! lol

      Reply
    8. Angie says

      April 28, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      I love exploring new Grocery stores too, It's so much fun, and this recipe you came up with looks wonderful!

      Reply
    9. Lora CakeDuchess says

      April 28, 2015 at 1:56 am

      How fun to explore new grocery stores (Italian ones are a favorite of mine! How wonderful you were inspired with this fun pasta idea. I've been following all your apron creations the last couple weeks and am smitten! Great job, Renee!

      Reply
    10. Martha @ A Family Feast says

      April 28, 2015 at 1:19 am

      This is totally the kind of recipe my husband would love...any excuse to eat mascarpone cheese!

      Reply
    11. Kirsten./ Comfortably Domestic says

      April 28, 2015 at 1:12 am

      Exploring new markets is an adventure in itself. So much to see and taste. You did well with this pasta. Anchovy paste ads such richness to pasta sauce.

      Reply
    12. The Food Hunter says

      April 27, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      great idea...I always think mascarpone is only for dessert

      Reply
    13. Susan says

      April 27, 2015 at 11:49 pm

      Wait you mean randomly exploring groceries stores isn't normal? 🙂 This pasta sounds delicious and a great find in your new store.

      Reply
    14. lauren kelly says

      April 27, 2015 at 9:17 pm

      This looks amazing! Love the apron too, you are so talented!

      Reply
    15. Brenda@SugarFreeMom says

      April 27, 2015 at 8:45 pm

      I love mascarpone and have some in the fridge calling my name! Love the pretty apron too!

      Reply
    16. Back for Seconds says

      April 27, 2015 at 6:25 pm

      Now this is comfort food!! Love the apron too!

      Reply
    17. Nutmeg Nanny says

      April 27, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      LOVE the look of this pasta and I totally want your Italian market. Thank you so much for the apron. It looks like it came out sooooooo nice!

      Reply
    18. Cookin' Canuck says

      April 27, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I love exploring new grocery stores, too, and would love to have a good Italian market nearby. This pasta is the perfect ode to all-things-Italian!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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