Cheesy Tomato Bacon Pasta

Cheesy 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.

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!

Jump to:

• The ingredient list:
• Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
• How to make tomato bacon pasta:
• How this recipe came to be:
• What is mascarpone cheese?
• Can cream cheese be substituted for the mascarpone in this recipe?
• Want to make your own mascarpone cheese at home?
• Can this completed dish be frozen?
• How long will this dish last in the fridge?
• Can the bacon be omitted from this recipe?
• Can other meat be used in this recipe?
• Can gluten-free pasta be used in this recipe?
• Need dishes to serve alongside this tomato bacon pasta?
• Printable Recipe Card

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)

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

Can gluten-free pasta be used in this recipe?

You bet!!

Feel free to use your favorite brand of GF pasta, and your favorite shape, too!!

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!"

*Strawberry and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad

"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!"

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

When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!

Printable Recipe Card

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!

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