Slow Cooker Arrabbiata Bacon Pasta for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth to the sauce, feel free to include a small amount of finely minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a higher level of heat.

However, remember that the spice intensity increases during the long cooking process, so start with the suggested amount and adjust only after you have tasted the final dish. The dried oregano can also be substituted with dried basil or an Italian seasoning blend depending on your personal preference.

If you find that the sauce is too thick when you open the slow cooker, stir in two to three tablespoons of hot water or pasta cooking liquid until the desired consistency is achieved.

This helps loosen the sauce and ensures every piece of pasta is well-coated. For an extra touch, serve the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated hard cheese to balance the heat of the chili flakes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Arrabbiata: Omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to provide a savory, umami-rich base that complements the spicy tomato sauce without using meat.
• Creamy Arrabbiata: Stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese right after the final stir to create a rich, pink-hued sauce that mellows the heat of the chili flakes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, stirring occasionally until heated through, or on the stovetop over low heat.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the sauce. Keeping the pasta and sauce together helps the flavors continue to develop even after cooking, making it a great option for future meals. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to avoid any cross-contamination or absorption of other odors in the refrigerator.

This dish is excellent for making ahead as the flavors deepen significantly after sitting for a few hours or overnight. You can prepare the slow cooker insert with all the ingredients, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Simply bring the insert to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it into the slow cooker base to start the cooking process as directed.

Serving ideas

When serving, present the pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the glossy sauce and the distribution of bacon lardons. The heat from the chili flakes pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad, which helps to cleanse the palate. Ensure the pasta is served immediately while steaming hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor profile of the arrabbiata sauce.

For a more formal presentation, garnish each serving with a small sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This adds a bright finish to the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.

Because the bacon provides a salty, savory base, consider offering additional red pepper flakes on the side for those who prefer an even spicier experience, ensuring that every guest can customize their portion to their liking.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Arrabbiata Bacon Pasta for Easy Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 6 oz smoked bacon lardons
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the smoked bacon lardons into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the raw penne pasta in an even layer directly over the bacon.
2. Sprinkle the chili flakes and dried oregano over the pasta. Pour the crushed canned tomatoes over the top, ensuring they cover the pasta entirely to help it steam and cook through evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the rendered bacon fat with the spicy tomato sauce and cooked pasta. Serve hot.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

72 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.