This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory taste of Canadian bacon, all tied together with bow tie pasta. The addition of sage and cayenne adds an extra layer of flavor and complexity, making this a dish that's not only comforting but also full of depth.
Photos of Bow Ties with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
The main ingredients for this recipe are sweet potato and Canadian bacon, which can be found in most supermarkets. However, be sure to check the international or specialty meats section for the Canadian bacon. Also, the recipe includes sage and cayenne, two spices that bring warmth and a bit of heat to the dish. If your spice rack isn't well-stocked, these are two that are definitely worth picking up for this recipe.
Ingredients for Bow Ties Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon
Cooking oil: Used for sauteing the onion and sweet potato.
Onion: Adds a robust flavor to the dish.
Sweet potato: Gives a sweet, hearty bite.
Water: Helps to soften the sweet potato.
Dried sage: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Cayenne: Provides a spicy kick.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the dish.
Tomatoes in thick puree: Contributes to the sauce's body and tanginess.
Canadian bacon: Adds a smoky, savory taste.
Bow ties pasta: The base of the dish, it holds up well to the robust sauce.
One reader, Brana Newby says:
This bow ties pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The sweet potatoes add a unique twist to the dish, and the bacon provides a savory contrast. The blend of spices and tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying sauce. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious meal.
Techniques Required
How to prepare the sweet potatoes and bacon sauce: This involves cooking the onions and sweet potatoes in oil, adding water, seasoning with sage, cayenne, salt, and tomatoes, simmering until the sweet potato is tender, and then adding the Canadian bacon.
How to cook the bow ties pasta: This involves boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it is just done, then draining it before tossing it with the prepared sauce.
How To Make Bow Ties with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon
Made with the ham-like flavors of Canadian bacon, this bow ties pasta has a velvety and mellow sauce of canned tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1onion,halved and cut into thin-slices
- 1sweet potato,(about ½ lb), peeled, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into ¼-inch slices
- ¼cupwater
- 1tspdried Sage
- ⅛tspcayenne
- ½tspsalt
- 1½cupscrushed tomatoes in thick puree,(16 oz can)
- ½lbcanadian bacon
- ¾lbbow ties
Instructions
-
In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and sweet potato and toss to coat with the oil. Add the water, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft.
-
Stir in the sage, cayenne, salt, and tomatoes. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes until the sweet potato is tender and the sauce thickened. Add the Canadian bacon and remove it from the heat.
-
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the bow ties for about 15 minutes until just done. Drain and toss the pasta with the sauce.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 510.57kcal
- Fat: 10.18g
- Saturated Fat: 1.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.84g
- Carbohydrates: 80.45g
- Fiber: 6.04g
- Sugar: 9.47g
- Protein: 24.93g
- Cholesterol: 27.22mg
- Sodium: 740.18mg
- Calcium: 72.55mg
- Potassium: 1012.33mg
- Iron: 2.85mg
- Vitamin A: 242.09µg
- Vitamin C: 11.54mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting This Pasta Recipe
When cooking the sweet potato and onion, ensure that they are cut into even pieces. This will allow them to cook uniformly and at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked. Additionally, when adding the sage, cayenne, and salt, sprinkle them evenly over the mixture rather than dumping them in one spot. This will help to distribute the flavors more evenly throughout the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and save time on cooking and dishwashing.
Batch cooking: Cook large batches of food and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Multitasking: Utilize simultaneous cooking techniques to prepare multiple components of a dish at the same time, reducing overall cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Bow Ties with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and is a healthier alternative to cooking oil.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the dish.
sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and it complements the other ingredients well in this recipe.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can enhance the overall flavor of the dish and add depth to the sauce.
dried sage - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
cayenne - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant color to the dish without the intense heat of cayenne.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can enhance the overall flavor and provide a more complex taste compared to regular table salt.
tomatoes in thick puree - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, adding richness to the sauce.
Canadian bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta has a similar smoky and salty flavor, and it can add a rich depth to the dish.
bow ties - Substitute with penne: Penne pasta can work well in this recipe, holding the sauce and flavors effectively.
How to Beautifully Present Bow Ties Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the sweet potatoes and tomatoes to create a visually stunning plate. Consider using fresh herbs as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by sprinkling crispy bacon crumbles on top of the pasta. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Highlight the main ingredients: Showcase the star ingredients, such as the sweet potatoes and Canadian bacon, by layering them strategically on the plate. This will draw attention to the key components of the dish and emphasize their importance in the overall flavor profile.
Balance the portions: Pay attention to the portion sizes and ensure that each element of the dish is balanced in proportion. This will create a harmonious presentation that is visually appealing and showcases the skillful execution of the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware to complement the upscale presentation. Opt for minimalist yet stylish plates that allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out and take center stage.
Create a focal point: Arrange the bow ties pasta in a visually striking manner to create a focal point on the plate. Consider stacking the pasta in an artful manner or using a ring mold to create an eye-catching presentation.
Artful drizzling: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a touch of elegance and depth of flavor. The drizzle should be artfully placed to enhance the overall presentation without overpowering the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate for a clean presentation and ensuring that each component is meticulously placed with precision and care. This attention to detail will elevate the overall presentation of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Delicious Pasta Recipe
- Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: Essential for slicing, dicing, and mincing various ingredients.
- Large pot: Used for boiling pasta and cooking the dish.
- Frying pan: Used for sautéing and cooking the bacon and vegetables.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
- Colander: Used for draining the cooked pasta.
- Grater: Used to grate cheese for garnishing the dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Lid: Used to cover the pan while cooking the sweet potatoes and onions.
- Tongs: Useful for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- Potato peeler: Used to peel the sweet potatoes.
How To Store / Freeze Bow Ties Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon
- Allow the bow ties pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled pasta dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the pasta dish:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving-sized portions.
- Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the dish name and date of freezing.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat the frozen pasta:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed pasta to a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Note: The texture of the sweet potatoes may change slightly after freezing and reheating, becoming softer than when freshly cooked. However, the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bow ties pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
For a quicker option, reheat the pasta in the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain the pasta's moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is hot.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the pasta in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
For a more flavorful twist, add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to the pasta while reheating in the oven or skillet. This will help keep the pasta moist and add an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
If you find that the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of water, milk, or cream to the pasta while reheating. This will help loosen the sauce and restore its original consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Bow Tie Pasta
The sweet potato in this recipe provides a healthy dose of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to this delicious pasta dish.
Is Making Bow Ties Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Economical for Home Cooking?
This bow ties pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as sweet potatoes and Canadian bacon, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of tomatoes and onions enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:
Healthy ingredients:
- Sweet potato: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants
- Onion: Contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- Tomatoes: High in lycopene, vitamin C, and other beneficial nutrients
Less healthy aspects:
- Canadian bacon: While leaner than regular bacon, it's still processed meat and high in sodium
- Cooking oil: Depending on the type used, it may be high in saturated or trans fats
- Bow tie pasta: A refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients than whole-grain alternatives
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the Canadian bacon for a lean protein source like grilled chicken or turkey
- Use whole-grain or legume-based pasta instead of regular bow ties to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of cooking oil used, or opt for a healthier variety like olive oil
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to boost the nutrient profile and fiber content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
By incorporating these changes, you can transform this recipe into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a variety of whole, minimally processed foods is the foundation of a healthy diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Sweet Potato and Bacon Pasta Recipe
This recipe for bow ties pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory Canadian bacon, while the addition of sage and cayenne adds a depth of flavor. The use of bow tie pasta provides a fun and playful element to the dish. The wine recommendation is thoughtful and adds an extra touch of sophistication. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Bow Ties with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Bow Ties with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast. The sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness and a dose of nutrients, while the Canadian bacon brings a savory and smoky element to the dish. The use of dried sage and cayenne provides a perfect balance of earthy and spicy notes, elevating the overall taste. The inclusion of tomatoes in thick puree adds a rich and luscious texture to the sauce. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
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