Creamy Caper Bacon Tomato Pasta with a Twist
Indulge in a luxurious and flavorful pasta dish featuring smooth mascarpone, crispy bacon, and tangy capers, perfectly balanced with the freshness of juicy tomatoes. This creamy and savory recipe will transport your taste buds to foodie heaven!
ingredients
- 12 ounces of penne pasta
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
steps
- 1.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 3.
Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 4.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and capers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- 5.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mascarpone cheese until fully melted and combined with the tomato mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if desired), stirring until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6.
Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- 7.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!