Bacon Penne Pasta

This pasta dish requires little effort, and utilizes simple ingredients. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight meal, or serve with Caesar salad and garlic bread and impress that "someone special". This recipe has been a crowd-pleaser at get-togethers, and has become a family favorite.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 500  g bacon, fried, cooled, and crumbled into small pieces
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 -4  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1  tablespoon. chopped fresh basil
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, including liquid
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1  dash seasoning salt, if desired
• 1  pinch crushed red pepper flakes
•  garlic powder, if desired
• 1 (500 g) box penne pasta, cooked
•  garnish with parmesan cheese, if desired

Directions

1. Heat olive oil, on medium heat, in a large, deep skillet. Cook garlic for a few minutes.
2. Add can of diced tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, seasoning salt (if desired), crused red pepper and garlic powder (if desired).
3. Add crumbled bacon to tomato mixture.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for appprox. 15 minutes.
5. Add cooked penne noodles and stir well. Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.