Summertime BLT Pasta: A Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy Fettuccine Delight
Fettuccine noodles with fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and fragrant basil, perfectly complemented by tender baby arugula and spinach, then finished with a drizzle of infused olive oil and a generous topping of fresh Parmesan and Romano cheese. This dish takes the classic BLT sandwich and transforms it into a vibrant, satisfying pasta experience, ideal for any season but truly shining in the summer.
Does your family adore pasta as much as ours does? It’s truly the ultimate solution for those “what’s for dinner” moments – especially on those evenings when you realize you haven’t planned a single thing. That’s precisely why I always keep a diverse assortment of pasta shapes in my pantry, ready to transform into a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. Pasta is incredibly versatile, comforting, and can be whipped up quickly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you simply crave something hearty and satisfying without much fuss. From a simple marinara to more elaborate creations, a well-stocked pasta pantry ensures a delicious dinner is always within reach.
This particular BLT pasta dish, with its bright and fresh components, is just perfect for the sun-drenched days of summer. It truly bursts with the vibrant flavors of the season. Do you happen to have a home garden? There’s nothing quite like harvesting your own produce. My son, for instance, has a small garden, and he absolutely loves picking fresh, ripe tomatoes straight from the vine. He’s incredibly passionate about them! Honestly, if I leave a bowl of sweet cherry tomatoes on the counter, they disappear almost instantly, as he eats them like they’re candy. This dish harnesses that pure, unadulterated taste of summer tomatoes, making it a seasonal showstopper.
The inspiration for this delightful pasta creation comes from a perennial favorite: the classic BLT sandwich. We’re so fond of BLTs in our household that we often enjoy them almost once a week, especially when the tomatoes are freshly picked from the garden. The combination of crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, often with a smear of mayonnaise, is simply irresistible. I genuinely never tire of them. So, when I stumbled upon this brilliant recipe for BLT Pasta on my assigned blog for the Secret Recipe Club this month, which happened to be A Day in the Life On the Farm, I knew instantly that I had to give it a try. The idea of transforming those iconic BLT flavors into a warm, comforting pasta dish sounded like pure genius, and it certainly did not disappoint!
This wasn’t my first culinary adventure from Wendy’s insightful blog. Back in December of 2014, I had the pleasure of making her Chocolate Pudding Cookies—a recipe that has since become a cherished family favorite around here! Even my dad, who can be quite particular, specifically requests them, which speaks volumes about their deliciousness. Wendy’s blog, “A Day in the Life On the Farm,” offers much more than just fantastic recipes; it provides a glimpse into a truly inspiring lifestyle. Wendy and her husband, both retired police officers, decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind and embrace a more serene life on their expansive 12-acre property in the countryside. Their journey is a testament to sustainable living and connecting with nature. They passionately raise chickens, turkeys, and pigs, cultivating a diverse range of fruits and maintaining large, flourishing gardens. Beyond their agricultural pursuits, they are also proud grandparents, cherishing their blended family of two girls and two boys. This backdrop of wholesome, farm-to-table living deeply influences the quality and flavor of the recipes they share, making them all the more appealing and authentic. Their approach to food is all about freshness and simplicity, something that resonates beautifully with this BLT pasta dish.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit Wendy’s blog and explore the wonderful collection of recipes she generously shares. Her passion for homegrown ingredients and comforting, family-friendly meals shines through in every post. There are several recipes from “A Day in the Life On the Farm” that are already high on my “To Try Next” list, each promising to be as delightful as this BLT pasta. For instance, her Refrigerator Pickles sound like a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, offering that refreshing tangy crunch. I’m also eager to bake her Apricot Bread, which I imagine would be a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, perhaps with a cup of tea. And for those who enjoy a little kick, the Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs sound like an exciting and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer, perfect for entertaining. Wendy’s blog truly is a treasure trove of delicious, heartwarming recipes inspired by a fulfilling country life, and I’m always excited to see what new culinary gems she’ll share next.
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Print Recipe
BLT Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fettuccine (16-ounce package) feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne.
- 1 small onion finely diced (yields approximately 2/3 cup for optimal flavor distribution)
- 2 cloves garlic freshly minced for an aromatic base
- 1/2 pound bacon cut into delightful bite-sized pieces before cooking (I typically use about 8 thick-cut slices for maximum crispiness and flavor)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved or quartered for a burst of freshness in every bite (I often quarter Campari tomatoes for about 2 cups)
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors
- 1 large handful of organic baby arugula & spinach leaves for a fresh, peppery, and earthy green element
- 1/3 cup fresh basil beautifully chiffonade for maximum aroma and visual appeal
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil infused with finely chopped fresh basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor
- Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese for serving, adding a salty, nutty, and savory finish
Instructions
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Prepare the Basil-Infused Olive Oil: In a small bowl or a clear glass, gently pour the olive oil and stir in about 1/2 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil leaves. This allows the basil’s essential oils to infuse into the olive oil, creating an aromatic finishing touch for your pasta. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
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Cook the Bacon and Pasta: Begin by placing the bite-sized bacon pieces in a large, cold skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully crisp and golden brown. Achieving the perfect crispiness is key to the BLT experience. Simultaneously, in a separate large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This keeps the bacon perfectly crisp. Reserve precisely 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet, then carefully remove and discard the remaining grease. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, if you haven’t already, cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté Aromatics: Return the skillet with the reserved 1 tablespoon of bacon grease to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant (being careful not to burn it). This step builds a foundational layer of savory flavor for the pasta.
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Add Tomatoes and Bacon: Introduce the halved or quartered fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir gently and heat until the tomatoes are just warmed through and begin to release some of their juices, typically a few minutes. This process brings out their natural sweetness. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, return the crispy bacon pieces to the pan, stirring to combine them with the tomato and onion mixture.
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Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly, then add it directly to the skillet with the warm tomato and bacon mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the savory flavors. Next, add the chiffonade fresh basil, along with the baby spinach and arugula leaves. Drizzle the reserved basil-flavored olive oil over the pasta. Continue to toss until the greens just wilt slightly from the warmth of the pasta. Serve this delightful BLT pasta immediately, topped generously with freshly shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese for an extra layer of salty, umami goodness. Enjoy this quick, fresh, and satisfying meal!
Notes
If fresh basil is not readily available, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning in place of the fresh basil for flavoring the olive oil and the pasta, though fresh is always recommended for the best taste.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Experience
To ensure your BLT Pasta is nothing short of spectacular, consider these additional tips:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this dish relies heavily on fresh produce, choose the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Homegrown or farmers’ market tomatoes will elevate this recipe significantly. Good quality bacon also makes a huge difference in the overall flavor profile.
- Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your pasta to a perfect al dente consistency. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. This ensures it holds up well when tossed with the other ingredients and doesn’t become mushy.
- Don’t Skimp on the Greens: The baby arugula and spinach not only add vibrant color but also introduce a subtle peppery note from the arugula and an earthy freshness from the spinach, perfectly balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Variations to Explore: Feel free to experiment! You could add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for an extra burst of brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Grilled chicken or shrimp could be added for a more substantial meal, transforming it into a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Serving Suggestions: This BLT pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
One more thing before I wrap up this delicious discussion: if you, like me, frequently incorporate fresh herbs into your cooking, then acquiring these incredible herb scissors is an absolute game-changer. While it’s true you can achieve a similar finely chopped effect with a sharp knife and some patience, these specialized scissors make the task so incredibly easy and fast! They feature multiple blades that snip herbs into perfect, uniform pieces in a fraction of the time, saving you effort and adding a touch of professional finesse to your dishes. Whether you’re working with basil, cilantro, parsley, or chives, these scissors will quickly become an indispensable tool in your kitchen, especially when recipes like this BLT pasta call for generous amounts of fresh basil. Seriously, don’t just take my word for it; you have to check them out!
Discover more about The Secret Recipe Club – a wonderful community of food bloggers who explore and share recipes from each other’s culinary creations – and learn how you can become a member by simply clicking the banner below. It’s a fantastic way to expand your recipe repertoire and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.