You can’t beat this classic Italian pasta dish. It is simple, yet so tasty, and makes the perfect weeknight dinner dish.
INGREDIENTS
350 g penne pasta
1 packet bacon, or sausage, cut into pieces
(you can omit the meat for a vegetarian option)
Olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup pasta water
1 tin tomatoes (400g)
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1 teaspoon chilli flakes, or 1 fresh chilli finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
Feta cheese, optional
METHOD
1.In a large pot, bring water to the boil. Add a dash of olive and oil and salt. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes till al dente. Drain the pasta and keep ½ of cup of the pasta water.
2.While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in olive oil. When the bacon is cooked, remove the pan.
3.In the same frying pan, add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until soft.
4.Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 4 minutes.
5.Add the tomato paste and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
6.Add the tin tomatoes and mixed herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
7.Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes.
8.Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the sauce and stir.
9.Simmer for 5 minutes and add the fresh basil.
10.Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and feta cheese before serving.