For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 additional tablespoons of olive oil. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to the sauce. Fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, can be used in place of or in addition to the dried oregano. If you don't have plum tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, but plum tomatoes will yield the best flavor. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to taste. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine them when ready to serve.
Pasta Rustica
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME25 mins
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TOTAL TIME50 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS108
A symphony of Mediterranean flavors! This Pasta Rustica brings together the sweetness of bell peppers, the pungency of garlic, the subtle brine of olives and capers, and a whisper of heat from red pepper flakes, all united in a vibrant tomato sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan, it's a rustic delight that's both comforting and exciting.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate69 g
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Cholesterol16 mg
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Fiber5 g
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Protein18 g
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Saturated Fat5 g
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Sodium770 mg
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Sugar8 g
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Fat28 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (approximately 8 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
02
StepWhile the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. (5 minutes) Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet.
03
StepHeat the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil) in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the chopped bell pepper, parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
04
StepAdd the can of plum tomatoes (undrained and coarsely chopped) and the cooked bacon to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir in the sliced olives, drained capers, and dried oregano. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
05
StepTaste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.
06
StepAdd the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
07
StepServe immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
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Candido Hettinger
Jun 12, 2025I used Kalamata olives and it was delicious. Definitely will make again!
Lonny Kerluke
May 5, 2025I added some grilled chicken and it turned out great!
Quinton Schroeder
Apr 23, 2025The bacon really makes this dish. Don't skip it!
Destiny Beahan
Apr 16, 2025I found the sauce a bit too acidic, so I added a pinch of sugar. It balanced it out perfectly.
Giovani Koch
Jan 26, 2025So easy to make and packed with flavor. My family loved it!
Caleigh Orn
Jan 3, 2025This was amazing! I added a bit of chicken broth to the sauce and it was perfect.
Tod Kling
Aug 31, 2024A great weeknight meal. I prepped the veggies ahead of time to save even more time.