Bacon and Tomato Pasta
By: Anonymous
Published: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 11:59pm

Ingredients




1/2 pound Smoked bacon cut into 1" lengths
1 cup Finely chopped yellow onion
2 cups Peeled, seeded, and chopped
fresh or drained canned tomatoes
1 cup Packed chopped fresh basil
4 quarts Water
1 tablespoon Salt
1 pound Dried pasta such as penne or 1/2 cup Heavy whipping cream
Fresh basil sprigs for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for passing
(preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)

Preparation

1 Place the bacon in a saute pan or skillet over medium-low heat and cook until done but not crisp. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. 2 Combine the tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the chopped basil in a food processor or blender and coarsely puree. Transfer to the bacon and onion mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes. 3 In a large pot, bring the water to a rapid boil. Stir in the salt. Drop in the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain. 4 Meanwhile, drizzle the heavy cream into the simmering sauce, then add remaining 1/2 cup chopped basil. Heat through, then toss with the drained pasta, garnish with the basil sprigs, and serve immediately. Pass the cheese at the table. 5 Serves 6 to 8 as a pasta course, or 4 as a main course. 6 Comments: According to Hollywood set designer Joe Bevacqua, this is Sophia Loren's favorite pasta dish. Surprisingly, it is made with American-style smoked bacon and dried pasta; it's too hearty for delicate fresh noodles.