Unveiling the Ultimate BLT Pasta: Your New Go-To Summer Dish
Imagine the quintessential flavors of a classic BLT sandwich – crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant lettuce – transformed into a comforting yet refreshingly light pasta dish. This is precisely what our BLT Pasta recipe delivers. Featuring tender fettuccine noodles, sun-kissed fresh tomatoes, perfectly cooked bacon, and aromatic fresh basil, all harmoniously blended with a finish of peppery baby arugula and tender spinach. A drizzle of infused olive oil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and Romano cheese elevate this meal to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Does your family share our passion for pasta? It truly is the ideal solution for those evenings when dinner plans are elusive, and you need something satisfying and quick. Keeping a variety of pasta shapes in your pantry ensures you’re always prepared for those spur-of-the-moment meals. But beyond its convenience, pasta offers endless possibilities for flavor combinations, making it a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide.
This BLT pasta dish, with its medley of vibrant colors and fresh tastes, shines brightest during the summertime. It encapsulates the very essence of summer flavors. For those fortunate enough to have a garden, or a son who loves to tend to one, the joy of picking ripe, fresh tomatoes is unparalleled. My son, in particular, absolutely adores fresh tomatoes. Honestly, if I place a bowl of sweet cherry tomatoes on the counter, he’ll devour them as if they were candy!
The Magic of Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
The secret to an extraordinary BLT Pasta lies in the quality of its components. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are non-negotiable. Whether you’re using cherry tomatoes halved or larger Campari tomatoes quartered, their natural sweetness and acidity provide a perfect counterpoint to the savory bacon. During peak season, homegrown tomatoes offer an unmatched burst of flavor that store-bought varieties simply can’t replicate. We enjoy traditional BLTs at least once a week when our homegrown tomatoes are abundant, and the simple perfection of that combination never grows old.
A Culinary Discovery from the Secret Recipe Club
My inspiration for this delightful BLT Pasta recipe came from the wonderful Secret Recipe Club, a fantastic online community where food bloggers are assigned another blog each month to cook from and review. This month, I had the pleasure of exploring A Day in the Life On the Farm, a blog penned by Wendy. As soon as I spotted her BLT Pasta, I knew it was a must-try. The concept resonated immediately with my family’s love for both pasta and fresh BLT flavors.
This isn’t my inaugural adventure cooking from Wendy’s blog. Back in December 2014, I whipped up her Chocolate Pudding Cookies – and they’ve become an absolute household favorite! Even my dad, a man of discerning taste, specifically requests them. It’s a testament to the quality and appeal of Wendy’s recipes.
Meet Wendy: From City Life to Farm Fresh
Wendy and her husband share a remarkable story. Both retired police officers, they made the courageous decision to leave the hustle and bustle of big city life behind. They sought tranquility and purpose on a sprawling 12-acre property in the countryside. Here, they’ve embraced a self-sufficient lifestyle, raising chickens, turkeys, and pigs, alongside cultivating extensive fruit orchards and bountiful gardens. Their blended family, comprised of two girls and two boys, now includes the joys of being proud grandparents, further enriching their farm life. Wendy’s blog is a beautiful reflection of her journey and her passion for wholesome, delicious food.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit A Day in the Life On the Farm and discover the fantastic recipes Wendy generously shares. Her commitment to fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking truly shines through. Here are just a few more irresistible recipes from her blog that have made it onto my “To Try Next” list: her crisp Refrigerator Pickles, the comforting Apricot Bread, and the intriguing Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs. You’re sure to find something to inspire your next home-cooked meal!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
BLT Pasta: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Classic
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fettuccine (or your favorite pasta, such as linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 small onion (diced, approximately 2/3 cup for a subtle sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced for aromatic depth)
- 1/2 pound bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness – about 8 thick-cut slices work well)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved, or quarter Campari tomatoes for about 2 cups of vibrant freshness)
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper (to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors)
- 1 large handful of organic baby arugula & spinach leaves (for a tender, peppery, and nutritious boost)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil (chiffonade, for a fragrant, sweet-savory note)
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (infused with finely chopped fresh basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor)
- Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese (for serving, adding a salty, umami richness)
Instructions
- **Prepare Basil Oil:** In a small bowl or glass, combine the olive oil with approximately 1/2 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir gently and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This infused oil will be drizzled over the finished pasta.
- **Cook Bacon & Pasta:** Begin by placing the cut bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it is wonderfully crisp and golden brown. While the bacon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta (fettuccine is recommended) according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the bacon is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet, then carefully discard the remaining grease. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized pieces if you haven’t already.
- **Sauté Aromatics:** Return the skillet with the reserved bacon grease to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will be incredible!
- **Warm Tomatoes & Combine:** Add the halved (or quartered) tomatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir gently and heat until the tomatoes are warm through and just beginning to soften slightly, but still retain their shape – about 2-3 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the tomato mixture.
- **Assemble and Serve:** Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and transfer it directly to the large skillet with the tomato and bacon mixture. Add the chiffonade fresh basil and the large handful of baby arugula and spinach leaves. Drizzle the prepared basil-infused olive oil over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss all the ingredients together with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated, and the greens have just wilted from the warmth of the pasta. Serve immediately in individual bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. Enjoy this fresh, comforting, and incredibly flavorful BLT Pasta!
Notes
For a convenient alternative, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning in place of fresh basil for flavoring the olive oil, though fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor. Consider adding a splash of pasta water to the skillet if the sauce seems too dry, helping to create a light emulsion.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Effortless Herb Preparation: A Kitchen Must-Have
Before you go, I want to share a fantastic kitchen tool that has genuinely revolutionized my meal prep. If you, like me, frequently use fresh herbs in your cooking, then these multi-blade herb scissors are an absolute game-changer. While you can certainly achieve a similar finely chopped effect with a traditional knife, these scissors make the process incredibly fast, efficient, and mess-free. They’re perfect for quickly snipping basil, chives, parsley, and more directly over your dish or into a bowl. Say goodbye to tedious chopping and hello to perfectly prepared herbs in seconds. Take a closer look at them here!
Join the Secret Recipe Club Community!
Interested in discovering new blogs, sharing your culinary creations, and becoming part of a vibrant food community? Learn more about The Secret Recipe Club and find out how you can become a member by clicking the banner below. It’s a wonderful way to expand your cooking repertoire and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.