Mezzi Rigatoni with Bacon and Tomato

The smoky bacon, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant basil in this mezzi rigatoni pasta dish go very well together. Its an easy and quick meal thats great for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mezzi rigatoni pasta
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for added heat

Instructions:

Follow the directions on the package to cook the mezzi rigatoni until it is al dente

Remove the water and set it aside

Boil the bacon in a big pan over medium-low heat until it gets crispy

Take the bacon out of the pan and set it aside

Leave the bacon fat in the pan

Put minced garlic and diced onion in the same pan

About 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened and smelling good

Add the diced tomatoes and bacon that has been cooked

Let it cook on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors can mix

Toss the cooked mezzi rigatoni with the bacon and tomato mixture after adding it to the skillet

If you want, you can add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Add two to three more minutes of cooking

Remove from heat and top with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil

If you want, you can serve it hot with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves on top