Simple Gluten Free Summer Spaghetti with Bacon

A fresh and flavorful summer pasta dish that’s both light and satisfying. Gluten free spaghetti is tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp bacon, garlic, and basil, creating a quick and delicious meal perfect for warm evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

  2. Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil highlight summer’s best flavors.

  3. Balanced Flavors: Crisp bacon and garlic add depth without making the dish heavy.

  4. Flexible and Adaptable: Easily made vegetarian or dairy-free.

  5. Naturally Gluten Free: A safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 lb gluten free spaghetti

  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (optional)

  • 3 cups fresh tomatoes, diced

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

  • Fresh Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

directions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

  2. Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

  3. In a skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Pour the garlic and oil over the pasta and toss to coat.

  5. Top with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese if using.

  6. Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes

  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Leave out the bacon or substitute with roasted vegetables.

  • Vegan: Omit bacon and cheese; use nutritional yeast or toasted seeds.

  • Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or shrimp.

  • Add Greens: Toss in fresh spinach or arugula.

  • Herb Alternatives: Replace basil with parsley, oregano, or chives.

storage/reheating

  • Storage: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or water.

  • Freezing: Not recommended as tomatoes may become watery upon thawing.

FAQs

What’s the best gluten free pasta to use?

Choose a high-quality brown rice or quinoa-based spaghetti for the best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients like garlic, bacon, tomatoes, and basil in advance to save time.

How do I keep gluten free pasta from getting mushy?

Cook just until al dente and rinse briefly after draining to stop the cooking process.

Is this good served cold?

Yes, it can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad. Add a little extra olive oil before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Use a large pot to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Use sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for a similar savory flavor.

Is this dairy free?

Yes, just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn are great additions.

Is it spicy?

No, it’s mild. Add red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Can I microwave leftovers?

Yes, reheat in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

Conclusion

Simple Gluten Free Summer Spaghetti with Bacon brings together the vibrant flavors of summer with the satisfying comfort of pasta. Whether served hot or cold, this dish is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for family meals or outdoor dining. A must-try seasonal favorite!

Print

Simple Gluten Free Summer Spaghetti with Bacon

A quick, light summer pasta dish that keeps things gluten-free while packing in smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes, and garden-fresh zucchini.

  • Author: sarra
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) gluten-free spaghetti
  • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1⁄4 tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1⁄3 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional; omit for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1⁄2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate; pour off all but 1 Tbsp bacon fat.
  3. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Cook 2–3 minutes, just until tomatoes start to soften.
  4. Stir in the garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Add zucchini and sauté 2 minutes more.
  5. Return the bacon to the skillet. Add drained pasta, remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until everything is glossy, adding more water as needed.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based Parmesan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1⁄4 recipe (≈350 g)
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: gluten-free, summer pasta, bacon spaghetti, quick dinner

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