Tomato and Bacon Pasta

Ingredients

• 400 g fresh fettuccine (or any type of long pasta will be fine)
• 100 g streaky bacon (I love bacon so I always use more)
• 2 large red chilies (optional) or 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 brown onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 275 ml tomato puree
• salt and black pepper
• chopped fresh Italian parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water, following packet directions. Drain and keep warm.

2. 2

   Trim the rind from the bacon and chop finely. Halve and de-seed the chillies if using, chop finely. Peel and chop the garlic and onion.

3. 3

   Heat the oil over a medium heat. Fry the bacon gently until the fat begins to run. (at this stage I normally drain some of the fat away, but it's a personal preferance).

4. 4

   Add the onion and garlic and cook til slightly softened. Add the tomato and the chillies or chilli powder. Simmer until slightly reduced. Season to taste.

5. 5

   Return the pasta to the pan, stirring through until thoroughly mixed and hot.

6. 6

   Garnish with the parsley and serve.

7. 7

   Enjoy :).