Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make BLT pasta that combines crispy bacon, caramelized grape tomatoes, sautéed leeks, and fresh spinach in a tangy broth reduction. This dish offers a lovely balance of savory and fresh flavors, with a vegetarian option using veggie bacon for those who prefer it. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 4 strips of cooked bacon (or veggie bacon)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1.5 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced leeks
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz dry bucatini or spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the leeks and halve the grape tomatoes. If working with leeks for the first time, rinse them thoroughly to remove any sand before slicing.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize Tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the halved grape tomatoes and sugar, cooking until they begin to brown and caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the skillet with the tomatoes and sauté until wilted, approximately 4 minutes.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add Broth and Vinegar: Stir in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture until the liquid reduces by about one-third, roughly 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add fresh spinach leaves, minced fresh thyme, cooked and diced bacon (or veggie bacon), and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt to taste and serve the BLT pasta warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with veggie bacon.
- Be sure to rinse leeks well under running water as they can hold sand and grit.
- The white wine can be omitted or replaced with extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
