BLT Pasta

If you don't read  The Food Network Magazine, get it now! It is full of great recipe ideas and this one is all about BACON! If you don't eat pork, then exit now. If you do, indulge as I introduce you to BLT Pasta. This recipe was so easy and only took me 30 minutes to cook. 

BLT Pasta Cook 8 slices bacon; drain and chop. Cook 1 chopped red onion, 3 sliced garlic cloves, some red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon salt in 3 tablespoons drippings. Add 5 cups grape tomatoes; cook 12 minutes. Add 1/3 cup cream; cook 2 minutes. Toss with 12 ounces cooked penne, 4 cups arugula, the bacon, some basil and a splash of pasta water. Top with Parmesan.

My modifications:

• I didn't use tomatoes since I'm sensitive to raw ones. Instead, opt for red bell peppers.
• I used half a red onion since it was huge and red onions don't taste as strong as white onions.
• Use 1 garlic clove. Garlic is STRONG!
• Use thick cut bacon. I only had to use 6 strips instead of 8 but it liked that it was thick and not thin like bacon bits. 
• Don't add too much bacon grease/drippings. You don't want the pasta to be greasy.
• If you want your sauce extra creamy, add in some shredded cheese when you add the cream. 
• Be sure you don't overcook the argula. I turned the heat off a minute after adding it. And make sure you use lots of it; one handful isn't nearly enough.
• Season to taste. It was a little bland so I added extra sea salt and black pepper with a dash of seasoning salt. Perfection!

This dish was so easy and so yummy. Enjoy!