Ingredients:
- 500g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 200g bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.