30-Minute BLT Pasta: Rick’s Easy Date Night Dinner Recipe
Rick from Georgia, you’re in for a treat! You told me you can barely make toast, but tonight you’ll be a kitchen hero. This 30-Minute BLT Pasta recipe is perfect for your date night. You’ll whip up a delicious meal in no time, impressing your new girlfriend with your culinary skills.
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh greens, this pasta will make you look like a pro chef. Let’s turn up the heat and cook up some romance!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty BLT pasta for your date night:
- 5 slices thick cut bacon (cut into 1/2-inch dice, about 5 ounces)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes (halved, about 3 cups)
- 3 cups baby arugula (coarsely chopped, or watercress or spinach)
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 10 ounces rigatoni
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pecorino Romano cheese (grated, or parmesan)
You’ll also want to have some extra salt and pepper on hand for seasoning to taste. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining – it’s key for creating a silky sauce!
Instructions
Get ready to impress your date, Rick! Here’s how to make this tasty BLT pasta:
Boil a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the rigatoni and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a big skillet, cook the diced bacon in olive oil over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes. Stir now and then until it’s crispy. Take the bacon out but leave the fat in the pan.
Turn up the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until it smells good.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan. The tomatoes should burst and get soft.
Mix in half the bacon. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the pasta. Toss it to coat with the sauce.
Pour in 1/2 cup of pasta water and the chopped arugula. Stir until the arugula wilts.
If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. Mix in the rest of the bacon and the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now you’re all set for a tasty dinner date!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps:
Pasta: Use penne, fusilli, or farfalle instead of rigatoni. Whole wheat pasta works too!
Greens: Swap arugula for spinach or kale. Baby greens are best for quick cooking.
Cheese: No pecorino? Parmesan or Asiago make great substitutes.
Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can replace regular bacon. For a veggie version, try crispy mushrooms.
Tomatoes: Out of cherry tomatoes? Use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
Get creative with add-ins:
- Toss in some diced avocado for creaminess
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Mix in some pesto for a flavor boost
You can also make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. The options are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make this BLT pasta even better? Here are some handy tips:
Cook the bacon until extra crispy for added crunch. You can also use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or bow ties for variety. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick too.
Make it ahead by cooking the pasta and prepping ingredients earlier in the day. Toss everything together just before serving.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
For a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for crispy chickpeas or mushrooms. The dish will still be delicious!
