09/15/2025
September 15 - National Linguine Day
Linguine, which means “little tongues” in Italian, has an ancient lineage among pasta. Along with its cousin, fettuccine, the signature linguine shape started appearing in bowls across Italy’s Liguria region almost 400 years ago.
Linguine goes well with pesto and seafood, breaking the monotony of the customary red and meat-based sauces. For an easy meal, cook some fresh linguine in salted water until the pasta is al dente. Drain, then add extra virgin olive oil and top off with fresh basil and parmesan or pecorino cheese. Yes, it’s all carbs but it’s also all good! So, today, get your twirl on but make sure you’ve got your napkin handy.
Bacon, Linguini & Tomato Toss
The ‘L” stands for linguini in this guest-worthy spin on the classic BLT sandwich.
Ingredients
12 slices bacon, divided
4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-style diced tomatoes (3 1/2 cups/875 mL)
1 medium onion
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz (350 g) uncooked linguini pasta
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) loosely packed fresh parsley, divided
4 oz (125 g) cream cheese
1 oz (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Halved grape tomatoes (optional)
Directions
Slice bacon crosswise into 1/4-in. (6-mm) strips using Santoku Knife. Place into (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; cook over medium-high heat 8-9 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from Skillet; drain on paper towels. Drain Skillet, leaving 1 tbsp (15 mL) drippings in Skillet.
Meanwhile, place broth and diced tomatoes in Large Micro-Cooker®. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 6-8 minutes or until hot; carefully remove from microwave. On clean Cutting Board, finely chop onion using Food Chopper. Return Skillet to heat; add garlic pressed with Garlic Press and pepper flakes, if desired. Cook 10-20 seconds or until fragrant. Add onion; cook 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Carefully add broth mixture, pasta, half of the bacon and salt. Simmer, covered, 9-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally.
Finely chop parsley using Chef's Knife; reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) for garnish. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Grate Parmesan cheese using Rotary Grater. Cut grape tomatoes in half, if using. Remove Skillet from heat. Stir in remaining parsley, cream cheese and grape tomatoes, if desired. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Serve with remaining bacon, Parmesan cheese and reserved parsley.
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrients per serving:
Calories 450, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Carbohydrate 49 g, Protein 18 g, Sodium 1500 mg, Fiber 3 g