Spaghetti with salami and bacon is a hearty, savory pasta dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the spiced bite of salami, and the comfort of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Tossed together in a light tomato-garlic sauce, it makes for a quick but indulgent dinner that feels rustic and satisfying.
1. Ingredients (serves 4):
-
350 g (12 oz) spaghetti
-
100 g (3.5 oz) salami, thinly sliced into strips
-
150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes (or passata)
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2. Cooking and Serving Details:
-
Servings: 4
-
Preparation time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking time: 20 minutes
-
Total time: 30 minutes
3. Method:
-
Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti, and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. Tip: Don’t overcook, as spaghetti will continue cooking slightly when tossed with sauce.
-
Cook Bacon and Salami: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Stir in salami strips and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly crisp at the edges. Remove some excess fat if too oily.
-
Build the Sauce: Add onion and garlic to the pan, sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with the sauce, bacon, and salami. If the mixture feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
-
Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
4. Serving Suggestions:
-
Serve with garlic bread and a green side salad.
-
Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
-
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more depth.
5. Extra Tips:
-
Use smoked bacon for deeper flavor, or pancetta for an Italian touch.
-
For creaminess, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before adding spaghetti.
-
Spice lovers can increase chili flakes or add fresh chili.
-
Leftovers reheat well—add a splash of water or stock when warming.
6. Nutrition per serving (1 of 4):
-
Calories: ~520 kcal
-
Protein: 22 g
-
Carbohydrates: 58 g
-
Fat: 22 g
-
Fiber: 4 g
-
Sugar: 6 g
-
Sodium: 720 mg
