Quick Gluten-Free Summer Spaghetti Pasta (Print version)

A fresh 30-minute gluten-free spaghetti tossed with juicy tomatoes, garlic oil, basil, parmesan, and crisp bacon.

# Ingredients:

For the pasta

01 - 12 oz (340 g) gluten-free spaghetti
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
03 - 1 cup reserved pasta water

For the summer skillet sauce

04 - 4 slices bacon
05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
06 - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
07 - 3 cups (450 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
11 - 1/2 cup (45 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
12 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti until 1 minute shy of al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a wide skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel, then crumble.
03 - Wipe out excess bacon fat if needed. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the garlic to the skillet, then cook over medium-low heat for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to slump and release their juices.
05 - Add the drained spaghetti, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 1-2 minutes until glossy, adding more pasta water if needed.
06 - Remove from the heat. Toss in parmesan, basil, lemon juice, and crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then serve warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Use certified gluten-free pasta if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
02 - Best served right after tossing, while the sauce is glossy.
03 - To make it meatless, omit the bacon and add 1 extra tablespoon olive oil.