One-Pot Pesto Pasta With Bacon

One-Pot Pesto Pasta with Bacon, perfect for busy weeknights, camping adventures, or simply when you want a satisfying dish without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Instructions

Step by step

1. Cook the Bacon
Start by frying up the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t forget to save that delicious bacon grease for extra flavor!
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add in the sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly browned. Once done, remove veggies from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Pasta
Next, add the pasta directly into the skillet along with a couple of cups of water. Let it cook until it’s tender and most of the water has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pour some water out if there’s too much remaining.
4. Create the Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the pesto until it’s well combined. This will create a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
5. Bring It All Together
Finally, add back the cooked bacon along with some grated parmesan and pine nuts. Give everything a good toss until it’s heated through and evenly distributed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your flavorful one-pot pesto pasta into bowls, garnish with extra parmesan if desired, and dig in!

Ingredients

4 Servings

4 slices bacon
4 zucchinis, sliced
Couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes
4 cups pasta
½ cup pesto
½ cup parmesan
4 tablespoons pine nuts
Salt + pepper

Nutrition Info

Per Serving

Calories: 514kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 26g

Note: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary.

Additional Info

Prep times

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Servings: 4

So whether you’re planning a camping trip, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this quick 25 minute one-pot pesto pasta is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it or whether you made your own twist on the recipe.

Great As Leftovers

This one-pot pesto pasta is just as delicious when reheated, making it a perfect option for meal prep or enjoying the next day. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and warm up in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.

You can also create a larger batch, double the recipe for example, and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.

Recipe Modifications

Protein Variations
Substitute bacon with cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.
Try adding shrimp, salmon, or Italian sausage for a seafood or meat lover’s twist.
Vegetarian Options
Omit the bacon entirely and increase the amount of veggies for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Mushroom is my personal favorite alternative to bacon.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
There are veggie options such as spaghetti squash available as pasta alternatives.
Dairy-Free Options
Use dairy-free pesto and skip the parmesan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
Substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Extra Veggie Boost
Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for enhanced flavor.
Pesto Variations
Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.
Herb Variations
Experiment with different herbs in the pesto, such as basil, cilantro, parsley, or arugula, for a unique twist.
Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.
Spice It Up
Kick up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Incorporate garlic chili paste or sriracha for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Creamy Texture
Mix in a dollop of cream cheese, goat cheese, or mascarpone for a creamy texture.
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream for added richness.
Nutty Additions
Experiment with different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios in place of pine nuts for a different flavor profile.
Toast the nuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Fresh Garnishes
Top the dish with fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a finishing touch.
Sprinkle with grated lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and zesty flavor boost.List item

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