Pasta and any soul food loves me but they may not love my hips…this is just yummy!

BLT Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

All the elements of a BLT combine with penne pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. penne pasta
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4-5 cups chopped tomatoes (or cherry or grape tomatoes, halved)
• 1/3 cup half-and-half or cream
• 4 cups arugula
• 2 tblsp. chopped fresh basil (about 10-12 leaves)
• grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the penne according to the package directions. While the penne is cooking, prepare the rest of the recipe.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain the bacon reserving 3 tablespoons of the drippings. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
3. In the same pan with the reserved bacon drippings, add the red onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and salt. Cook until the onion has wilted and begun to soften.
4. Add the tomatoes. Stir together well and cook for about 12-15 minutes.
5. Add the cream or half-and-half and cook for additional 2 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and add to the pan along with the arugula, bacon and basil. Toss together. Add a splash or two of the pasta cooking water if needed.
7. Top individual servings with Parmesan cheese.