Nothing screams summer like the smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce of a BLT. Turn those flavors into a light pasta dish, and you have your go-to warm-weather dinner. This BLT pasta takes everything you love about a BLT and tosses it with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, tangy sauce for a vibrant dish greater than the sum of its parts. Quick and easy, BLT pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner and disappears quickly at a potluck.
Why Not Make BLT Pasta Tonight?
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
- 6 slices of TBS bacon (any flavor), chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups arugula, baby spinach, or shredded romaine
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.
2. Cook the Bacon
While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set on a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat.
3. Sauté Tomatoes & Garlic
In the same skillet, sauté the cherry tomatoes for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss in the bacon, arugula, and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of pasta water to help everything come together. Stir in the mayo or Greek yogurt (if using).
5. Season & Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic for a little heat.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp make a great addition to bulk up the meal.
- Use roasted tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and herbs before adding them to the dish.
Find the Flavors of Summer at The Butcher Shop
BLT pasta is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes – comforting, fresh, savory, and easy to make. For the freshest flavors, turn to The Butcher Shop. All of our meats and seafood are locally sourced from right here in Southern Oregon, and we smoke all our bacon in-house. We also carry fresh produce, fresh-baked loaves of bread, high-quality pantry essentials, and everything else you need for a fresh summer meal. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.