Pasta Rustica

Name: Pasta Rustica
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 slices Bacon; 1 whole Canned Tomatoes; 2 tbsp Capers; 2 whole Diced Yellow Onion; 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano; 0.5 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley; 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 4 cloves Minced Garlic; 1 whole Red Bell Pepper; 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 1 lb Rotini; 0.25 tsp Salt; 0.5 cup Sliced Black Olives

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹 Low-Carb Sugar-Free Comfort-Food

Pasta Rustica pairs al dente spirals with a savory tomato sauce enriched by smoky bacon, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant onions. Briny olives and capers add a punchy contrast, while crushed red pepper brings gentle heat and Parmesan rounds everything out. It’s a vibrant, weeknight-friendly pasta perfect for casual dinners or sharing with friends.

Prep25 mins
Cook25 mins
Serves6
DifficultyEasy

1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
2

Drain.
3

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large deep skillet until crisp.
4

Drain on paper towels; cut or break into 1/2-inch pieces.
5

Discard the bacon drippings.
6

Heat the oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
7

Add the onions; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
8

Add the bell pepper, parsley, garlic, and pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes.
9

Add the tomatoes and chopped bacon; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10

Stir in the olives, capers, and oregano; simmer for 2 minutes.
11

Taste; season with salt if desired.
12

Toss the pasta with the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
13

Sprinkle servings with cheese.