Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon
A simple pasta dish that 'translates' Italian tradition into American comfort, featuring crispy bacon and earthy sage in a creamy finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs tagliatelle pasta, smoked bacon, fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 780 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tagliatelle pasta
- 4 oz smoked bacon
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz tagliatelle, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 4 oz diced smoked bacon, and cook for 5 minutes until crispy; remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, and sauté for 2 minutes until garlic is golden and sage is crisp.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Toss drained pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce coats the strands evenly, then stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 4 oz crispy bacon until combined.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tagliatelle pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Translation Tagliatelle with Sage-Bacon?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
