How to Make Chef John's BLT Pasta - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of the classic BLT sandwich, then you're going to love this twist on the traditional dish. Chef John's BLT Pasta combines all of the beloved flavors of the iconic sandwich, but in a hearty and satisfying pasta dish. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.

This dish is a great way to use up any leftover bacon and cherry tomatoes you may have on hand, but it's also worth making a special trip to the store for. The combination of crispy...

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ pound bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ⅔ cup creme fraiche
  • 2 cups ditalini pasta
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cups baby arugula, coarsely chopped
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, or to taste (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Pour olive oil into a heavy skillet over medium heat, add bacon, and cook until almost crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat. Hold a paper towel with tongs and mop up excess bacon grease with the paper towel, leave about 2 teaspoons bacon grease in the skillet.
  • Stir minced garlic and lemon zest into bacon in the skillet and let cook in residual heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir creme fraiche into the bacon mixture.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and stir in ditalini. Cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and add pasta to the skillet. Stir pasta thoroughly into bacon and creme fraiche mixture.
  • Return skillet to medium heat. Add tomatoes; cook and stir until slightly softened, about 1 minute. Mix in arugula, stirring until wilted, about 30 seconds, and turn off heat.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir again and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
  • Nutrition

    502 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 13g
    • Cholesterol: 76mg
    • Sodium: 517mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 48g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 19mg
    • Calcium: 69mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 479mg