Let’s explore making a delicious and comforting Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta Bake! This recipe blends the rich flavors of crispy bacon with the freshness of tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends.

To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

• 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 150g bacon, chopped (smoked or unsmoked)
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 200ml double cream
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 100g grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Now that you have everything, let’s get cooking!

First, I put a large pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, I add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I prefer to undercook it slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Once done, I drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a separate pan, I heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. Once ready, I add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy. The aroma of crispy bacon is irresistible at this point!

Now, I pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano. I season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Once the mixture has simmered, I reduce the heat and stir in the double cream, mixing it all together until it’s well combined and creamy. At this point, I add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce.

Next, it’s time to transfer my pasta mixture into a baking dish. I spread it out evenly and then top it with a generous layer of grated cheese. This will melt and form a delicious golden crust as it bakes.

I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pasta for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The anticipation builds as the delicious smells fill your kitchen!

Once it’s done, I let it sit for a few minutes before serving. I like to garnish with some fresh basil for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy my Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta Bake with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!