Garlic Tomato Pasta with Bacon

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2.While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.

3.Discard most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.

4.Add the diced fresh tomato to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then stir in the tomato sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5.In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly. This will add creaminess to the sauce.

6.Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Stir in the crispy bacon bits and the mayonnaise mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

7.Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.

8.To serve, place a few fresh lettuce leaves on each plate as a bed, then twirl the garlic tomato pasta with bacon on top. Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits if desired.