Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crispy Bacon

 Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crispy Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes
• 6-10 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 4 slices bacon
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ pounds rigatoni or ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

 

Instructions

1.                   1. Preheat oven to 425° F.

2.                   On a baking sheet, toss together the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, 2 tablespoons thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Arrange the bacon on top of the tomatoes. Bake 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the tomatoes are bursting (you might have to remove the tomatoes and garlic and then let the bacon continue cooking).

 

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.

 

4. Add the tomatoes and the garlic to a food processor. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

5. In the same pot, melt butter until browning, then add the tomato puree and 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, stirring until combined. Melt in the gouda and parmesan. Add cream. Add more pasta water if needed. Top with crumbled bacon. Enjoy.