What You’ll Need
- Elbow macaroni. Measure 2 cups dry and cook it just until tender. Save some of the cooking water before draining.
- Stewed tomatoes. Use one 28-ounce can, including the juices. Break up any large pieces with the back of a spoon as the tomatoes simmer.
- Bacon drippings. Two tablespoons of reserved bacon grease add smoky flavor to the tomato sauce.
How to Make Macaroni and Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, melt the bacon drippings in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and their juices, then simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until the liquid thickens slightly. Stir in the drained macaroni until every piece is coated.
How to Keep the Macaroni Saucy
If the tomatoes have reduced more than you’d like, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce coats the elbows easily. Let the dish sit off the heat for 3 to 5 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the tomato juices. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
3-Ingredient Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe Card
Tender elbow macaroni tossed with stewed tomatoes and smoky bacon drippings.
- Prep time — About 5 minutes
- Tomato simmer time — 5 to 10 minutes, while the pasta cooks
- Rest time — 3 to 5 minutes
- Servings — 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 can (28 ounces) stewed tomatoes with juices, or 3 to 4 cups home-canned tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just tender.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatoes with their juices and break up any large pieces with a spoon.
- Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato juices thicken slightly.
- Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the macaroni. Stir the drained pasta into the tomatoes until evenly coated.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and season with salt or black pepper if desired.
- Take the skillet off the heat and let the macaroni rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm.