Tre Cose Belle's Weekday Pasta

Three Good Things, Endless Flavor. Inspired by the best kind of quick-fix comfort, our Tre Cose Belle Penne (or choose your clever name) brings together salty, crispy bacon, a bright, bold "weekday" tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne. It’s honest, hearty, and just chaotic enough to be utterly delicious.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) Penne pasta (or other short, sturdy shape like Rigatoni or Ziti)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into small, 1/2-inch pieces
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (or fire-roasted, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

The Ultimate Pairing

1 Glass/Bottle of Tre Cose Belle

Directions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.

Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, add the cut bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.

Sauté Aromatics: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce: Pour the can of diced tomatoes into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finish the Dish: Add the drained pasta and the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken slightly (about 1-2 minutes).

Stir & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and about three-quarters of the crispy bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish: Serve immediately, topped with the remaining crispy bacon, extra grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs.