Creamy Bacon Tomato Rigatoni: Crispy, golden, and irresistible.

The Best Smell in the World

Nothing beats the smell of bacon cooking. It fills the whole house. It makes everyone come to the kitchen asking, Is it ready yet? I still laugh at that. It is the best welcome home.

This recipe uses that wonderful bacon smell twice. First, you get to eat the crispy bacon. Second, you cook onions in the leftover grease. Doesnt that sound clever? It makes the whole sauce taste rich and happy.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

My grandson once tried to sneak a piece of bacon. He thought I didnt see him. I turned around and he had a big smile on his face. His cheek was full of bacon! We both started laughing.

That is why this meal matters. It is not just about filling your belly. It is about making happy little moments. Food shared with a smile always tastes better. Do you have a fun food memory like that?

Lets Talk About the Sauce

The sauce for this pasta is so simple. You just use the can of tomatoes. You do not even drain them. The juice from the can helps make the sauce.

You let it all simmer together. The onions, garlic, and tomato juice become friends. Fun fact: Simmering tomatoes makes them taste sweeter! This is why you do not need sugar. Nature does the work for you.

Why This Meal is Special

This is a one-pot wonder. Well, almost! You just need one big skillet and one pot for the pasta. I love recipes like this. They mean less time cleaning and more time eating.

This matters on a busy weeknight. You can get a great meal on the table fast. It feels like a hug in a bowl. What is your favorite quick and cozy meal to make?

Your Turn to Cook

Now you have the recipe. It is your turn to make some magic. Remember, cooking is not about being perfect. It is about trying and enjoying what you make.

What little change will you make? Maybe add a sprinkle of parsley? Or use a different pasta shape? Tell me, which pasta shape is your absolute favorite? I love hearing your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
bowtie pasta	1 (16-ounce) box
bacon	6 slices
onion, chopped	1/2 large
garlic, minced	3 cloves
petite diced tomatoes	1 (14.5-ounce) can
salt	to taste

My Cozy Rigatoni with Bacon & Tomato

This pasta reminds me of my grandson’s visits. He always asks for it. The smell of bacon fills the whole house. It makes everyone gather in the kitchen. I love how simple and happy this meal is. It feels like a big, warm hug.

Step 1: First, get your pasta cooking. Follow the directions on the box. I like to salt the water well. It makes the pasta taste so much better. Once it’s done, just drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Now, let’s cook the bacon. Fry it up until it’s nice and crispy. I still laugh at how fast bacon disappears around here. Crumble it into little bits with your fingers. (A hard-learned tip: save that precious bacon grease in the pan! We need it next.)

Step 3: Pour out most of the bacon grease. Leave about two tablespoons in your skillet. This is our secret flavor weapon. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the start of something wonderful.

Step 4: Toss your chopped onion into that warm grease. Cook them until they look soft and shiny. This takes about five to seven minutes. Stir them so they don’t stick. It’s my favorite part, watching them turn sweet.

Step 5: Add the garlic and cook for just one minute. You’ll know it’s ready by the lovely smell. Then pour in the can of tomatoes with all their juice. Let it all bubble gently for about ten minutes. What’s your favorite cozy meal? Share below!

Step 6: Time to bring it all together! Stir in your crumbled bacon. Then add the cooked pasta and toss it gently. Make sure every piece gets coated in that saucy goodness. Serve it up while it’s hot and steamy.

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s always there for you. But sometimes, it’s fun to dress it up a little. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried over the years. They all turned out wonderfully.

Spinach Power-Up: Stir in a big handful of fresh spinach right at the end. It wilts down and adds a pop of green.

Spicy Kick: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives the sauce a little warmth that’s just perfect.

Cheesy Delight: Finish it with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. It makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

I love serving this pasta in a big, colorful bowl. It makes the meal feel extra special. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. The crisp lettuce is a nice change from the warm pasta. A slice of crusty bread is great for mopping up the last bits of sauce.

For a drink, a glass of iced tea with lemon is my go-to. It’s so refreshing. If you’re feeling fancy, a light red wine pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Perfect

This pasta is best eaten right away. But we all have leftovers. Let your pasta cool completely first. Then put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for three days.

You can freeze it for a later busy day. Portion it into meal-sized containers. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you are ready. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to have a home-cooked meal after his long drive.

Reheating is simple. Add a splash of water or milk to the pasta. Warm it in a pan on the stove, stirring often. This keeps the sauce creamy. Batch cooking like this saves you time on a hectic weeknight. It means a good dinner is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems

Sometimes the sauce looks a bit dry. Do not worry. Just stir in a little pasta water. The starchy water makes the sauce silky. I remember when I forgot this step. My sauce was too thick for my liking.

Your bacon might not get crispy. Make sure your pan is not too crowded. Cook the bacon in a single layer. This lets the heat reach every piece. Getting the bacon right matters. It adds a wonderful crunch to every single bite.

Do not burn your garlic. It cooks very fast. Add it only after the onions are soft. Then cook it for just one minute. This small step builds a deep, sweet flavor. It makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. Fixing little issues builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pasta Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It will work just the same.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can. Make the sauce up to two days before. Keep it in the fridge until needed.

Q: What if I do not eat bacon?
A: Try chopped ham or a can of drained chickpeas. They are both great swaps.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a bigger pot for the pasta. Use a larger pan for the sauce.

Q: Any extra tips?
A: A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is lovely. It adds a fresh, green color. Fun fact: The tiny holes in rigatoni are perfect for holding sauce! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy recipe. It always makes me think of family dinners. I would be so happy to see your creations. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys.

Please show me your beautiful pasta dishes. It makes my day to see you in the kitchen. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Chloe Hartwell.