Description
A quick and delicious recipe to transform leftover cooked spaghetti into a flavorful meal by sautéing it with bacon, onions, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and melted cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti (cooked)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes
Meat
- 3 oz bacon (lean)
Fats & Oils
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (or Kosher, more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
Dairy
- 1 cup cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Chop bacon and onions: Finely chop the medium onion and the lean bacon. Set both aside for cooking.
- Heat butter and oil: Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet on high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to foam gently to avoid burning.
- Cook bacon and onions: Add the chopped onions and bacon to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions soften and the bacon begins to render its fat.
- Add cherry tomatoes and oregano: Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pan along with the oregano. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add leftover spaghetti: Add the halved cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 4–5 minutes until the pasta is heated through, ensuring it mixes evenly with the other ingredients.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Add the grated cheese, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the pan. Stir thoroughly for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked spaghetti to save time and prevent overcooking pasta.
- Lean bacon adds flavor with less fat; you can substitute with pancetta or prosciutto.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and moisture to balance the salty bacon and cheese.
- Oregano enhances the dish with an aromatic herbal note; fresh oregano can be used if preferred.
- Choose a cheese that melts well such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a mild parmesan blend.
- Cooking on medium-low after adding bacon and onions prevents burning and allows flavors to meld.
- This recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the melted cheese texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
