Looking for a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that can be a side dish, lunch, main course, or main dish? Look no further than this Capellini with Bacon and Bread Crumbs! This tasty recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner. With a delightful balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress.
Packed with 4 servings, each portion contains 385 calories, offering a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The star of the dish is the capellini, a thin, delicate pasta that perfectly captures the flavors of its accompaniments. Whole wheat or regular capellini can be used, depending on your preference for a slightly nuttier taste or a more traditional al dente texture.
The recipe begins with cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, then moves on to preparing the savory bacon and tomato sauce. As the bacon crisps up in the skillet, the aroma alone will have your mouth watering. Garlic and crushed red pepper are added for a burst of fragrance and a touch of heat, followed by grape tomatoes that soften and release their juices. Low-sodium chicken broth is then simmered with the tomato mixture, reducing it into a thick, flavorful sauce.
While the sauce cooks, a small skillet is dedicated to toasting the panko bread crumbs, which will add a delightful crunch to the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and coarsely chopped parsley are incorporated into the sauce, tying all the flavors together. Finally, the pasta is tossed with the sauce, and a drizzle of the reserved cooking water helps achieve the ideal consistency.
Serve this Capellini with Bacon and Bread Crumbs in a pool of golden panko and Parmesan, and enjoy a delightful meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
