Embark on a culinary journey by preparing a mouthwatering linguine pasta dish that bursts with the rich flavors of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sharp parmesan cheese. The infusion of thyme and red pepper flakes elevate this comforting classic to a gourmet level.
Most ingredients for this recipe are staples found in every kitchen. However, you may need to check for Linguine, a type of pasta similar to spaghetti but flatter, in your pantry. Also, ensure you have fresh parmesan cheese, not the pre-grated kind, for the best flavor. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, any good deli should stock it.
Ingredients for Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan
Bacon: Provides a smoky, rich flavor and a delightful crunch.
Onions: Caramelized for a sweet, complex taste.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Introduces a hint of spiciness.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Linguine: A perfect pasta choice for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor.
Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh touch.
Black pepper: Gives a mild heat and spicy aroma.
One reader, Berne Hitchcock says:
This linguine pasta with onion, bacon, and parmesan recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and savory parmesan creates a deliciously rich and satisfying dish. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Mastering the Art of Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan
How to cook bacon until crisp: In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until it becomes crispy. This will take about 8-10 minutes, and it's important to watch it closely to prevent burning.
How to brown onions with thyme and red pepper flakes: In the same pan used for cooking the bacon, add the onions, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned, which should take about 10 minutes.
How to cook linguine until just done: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine until it is just done, which typically takes about 12 minutes. It's important to test the pasta for doneness to ensure it's cooked to the right texture.
How to toss linguine with bacon and onions: After draining the linguine, toss it with the cooked bacon, browned onions, reserved pasta water, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Ensure the linguine is evenly coated with the ingredients for a delicious flavor in every bite.
How to adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thick after tossing, add more of the reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. This step ensures the pasta is well-coated and moist without being overly dry.
How To Make Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan
For a fuss-free and quick dinner meal, whip up a serving or two of this linguine pasta, loaded with bacon, parmesan, and a bite from red pepper flakes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½lbbacon,sliced
- 2onions
- ½tspdried thyme
- 1tspdried red pepper flakes
- 1tspsalt
- ¾lblinguine
- ½cupparmesan cheese,grated
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
Instructions
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In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Put the pan over moderate heat.
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Add the onions, the thyme, the red-pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the onions are brown. Remove from the heat.
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine for about 12 minutes, until just done. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
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Drain the linguine and toss with the bacon, onions, ¾ cup of the reserved pasta water, the Parmesan, parsley, the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt and the pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the pasta water.
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Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 652.39kcal
- Fat: 28.70g
- Saturated Fat: 10.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.27g
- Carbohydrates: 71.23g
- Fiber: 4.04g
- Sugar: 5.74g
- Protein: 25.70g
- Cholesterol: 50.06mg
- Sodium: 640.11mg
- Calcium: 261.83mg
- Potassium: 430.24mg
- Iron: 1.94mg
- Vitamin A: 55.60µg
- Vitamin C: 7.28mg
Elevate Your Linguine Game with This Simple Technique
When cooking the bacon, it's important to keep the heat at a moderate level to ensure it crisps up nicely without burning. Also, when you're draining the linguine, make sure to reserve some of the pasta water. This starchy water is a great addition to the sauce as it helps to thicken it and allows it to cling to the pasta better, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Time-Saving Tricks for Preparing This Delicious Pasta Dish
Prep ahead: Chop the onions and bacon in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot to cook the linguine and a large frying pan for the bacon and onions simultaneously to streamline the process.
Multi-task: While the linguine is cooking, utilize that time to cook the bacon and onions, making the overall cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to eliminate the time spent grating the cheese manually.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, ensure all ingredients are organized and readily accessible to avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Substitute Ingredients For Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Recipe
linguine pasta - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti has a similar texture and shape to linguine, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured but not smoked, providing a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a great alternative for adding a rich umami taste to the dish.
Elevate Your Plate: Presenting Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan
- Elevate the pasta: Gently twirl the linguine into a nest shape using tongs for an elegant presentation on the plate.
- Garnish with crispy bacon: Place a few bacon strips on top of the pasta nest for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan snow: Grate a generous amount of parmesan over the pasta, resembling a delicate snowfall on top.
- Embellish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve on warm plates: Preheat the serving plates to ensure the pasta stays warm and visually appealing until the last bite.
- Use high-quality Parmesan: Shave thin slices of aged parmesan using a vegetable peeler and arrange them delicately on top of the pasta for an upscale finish.
- Add a touch of black pepper: Grind a small amount of fresh black pepper over the dish to enhance the flavors and add a touch of sophistication.
- Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the linguine, bacon, and onions in a visually appealing and balanced manner on the plate for a professional touch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Linguine Pasta
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquids to drain while lifting solid foods.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, blanching, and cooking pasta or other ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for drying or cleaning food items and surfaces.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate foods like cheese, vegetables, or spices into fine pieces.
- Pasta water: The water used to cook pasta, which is reserved and added back to the dish for its starchy content.
- Cheese grater: A tool specifically designed for grating cheese into fine shreds or powder.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces or heating liquids.
- Serving dish: A platter or bowl used for presenting and serving food to guests or family members.
Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Your Linguine Creation
Let the linguine pasta cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming mushy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to freeze the pasta, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving 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 date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the pasta for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, follow these steps:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed pasta in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
Note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors of the bacon, onions, and Parmesan cheese will still be delicious.
If you have any leftover bacon, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can crumble it over salads or use it to add flavor to other dishes.
Reviving Leftover Linguine Pasta: Reheating Tips
Reheat the linguine pasta in the microwave: place the desired amount of leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or pasta sauce to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Reheat the pasta on the stovetop: place the leftover linguine in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or pasta sauce to the pan and stir gently until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warmed, about 3-5 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add more liquid as needed.
Reheat the pasta in the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover linguine pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of water or pasta sauce to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow any excess liquid to evaporate.
Reheat the bacon, onions, and sauce separately: if you have stored the bacon, onions, and sauce separately from the pasta, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Then, combine the reheated components with the reheated linguine and toss well to combine.
Adjust the seasoning and add fresh toppings: after reheating, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional parmesan cheese if needed. To brighten up the flavors and add a fresh touch, consider garnishing the dish with some chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Discover a Fascinating Fact About Linguine Pasta
Linguine pasta is a type of pasta that originated in Genoa and the Liguria region of Italy. It is traditionally served with seafood or pesto, but it can also be paired with a variety of other ingredients, such as bacon and onions. Linguine is a versatile pasta that can be used in a wide range of dishes, making it a popular choice for many recipes.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Linguine Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this linguine pasta with onion, bacon, and parmesan recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as bacon, onions, and parmesan cheese, are relatively affordable and readily available. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering the balance of cost and flavor. It provides a delicious and hearty option for a family dinner without breaking the bank.
Is Linguine Pasta with Bacon and Parmesan Healthy?
The linguine pasta with onion, bacon, and parmesan recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe includes a significant amount of bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The dish is heavy on pasta, which is a refined carbohydrate. While carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, consuming too many refined carbs can lead to weight gain and blood sugar imbalances.
- The recipe calls for a considerable amount of parmesan cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. While cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, consuming too much can contribute to health problems.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon used or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as chicken or shrimp. You could also use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. This will increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Use whole wheat linguine instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used or replace it with a lower-fat alternative, such as part-skim mozzarella or feta cheese.
- Use olive oil instead of bacon fat to sauté the onions, as olive oil is a healthier source of fat.
- Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to boost the flavor without adding extra calories or sodium.
Our Editor's Take on This Mouthwatering Linguine Recipe
This linguine pasta with onion, bacon, and parmesan recipe is a delightful combination of savory flavors. The crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sharp parmesan cheese create a rich and satisfying dish. The addition of thyme and red pepper flakes adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. The recommended wine pairing with a Riesling from the Alsace region is a thoughtful touch, enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a comforting and indulgent meal.
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Why trust this Linguine Pasta with Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful culinary experience, as it features bacon for a rich and savory flavor, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions. The addition of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley enhances the dish with a burst of umami and freshness. The use of linguine pasta ensures a perfect al dente texture, while the blend of dried thyme and red pepper flakes adds a subtle, yet tantalizing, hint of spice. Trust in the balance of these quality ingredients to create a memorable and satisfying meal.
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