Oven Baked 5-Ingredient BLT Pasta
A cozy baked pasta inspired by a classic BLT, made with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh lettuce added after baking for crunch. This easy casserole-style pasta is creamy, savory, and perfect for a casual family dinner.
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Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells
- 8 oz thick-cut bacon chopped into rough pieces
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved, or use well-drained diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided; mild cheddar may be substituted
- 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce chopped and very well dried
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk optional, if the pasta looks dry
- nonstick spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain well.
- Meanwhile, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a thin film of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened and juicy.
- Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, crispy bacon, cooked tomatoes with their juices, and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.
- Stir well, adding 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the mixture looks dry. Taste and season as needed.
- Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and the edges are bubbling.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
- Scatter the chopped, well-dried lettuce over the top before serving, or gently fold it in for a slightly wilted finish.
Notes
Use diced tomatoes if needed, but drain them well before cooking. For extra BLT flavor, drizzle lightly with ranch or add a little cracked black pepper before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingsCalories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 29.3gProtein: 27.3gFat: 24.7gSaturated Fat: 10.7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 737mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1.5g
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