Bacon And Artichoke Pasta Food

PANTRY PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• In a large saute pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the bacon and cook until it just starts to get a little crispy, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper, garlic and shallot and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the beans and artichokes to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, cook the orecchiette in the boiling water for the amount of time specified on the box, minus 2 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the pan with the artichokes and beans and toss over medium heat. Add the pasta water and continue to cook until the pasta achieves an al dente texture and the sauce is coating the pasta. Remove from the heat and add half of the Parmesan. Mix in the butter and half of the parsley. Season with more salt and pepper. Transfer to large serving bowl and garnish with the remaining Parmesan, parsley and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

PASTA WITH ARTICHOKES AND PANCETTA

Steps:

• Squeeze one lemon half into a large bowl of cold water. Pluck off all tough leaves from one artichoke, until you reach leaves that are pale and soft. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel stem and trim base of artichoke, then dunk it in lemon water to keep it from browning. Cut off the top 1/3 of artichoke and discard. Cut artichoke in half; remove any inner purple leaves and scoop out the fuzzy choke if there is one. Thinly slice artichoke lengthwise to include some of the heart. Put slices in the lemon water and leave them there as you cut remaining artichokes.
• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in pancetta and cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally, 8 to 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate; leave fat in pan.
• Drain the artichokes, shaking them well to remove excess water. Raise heat under pan to medium-high, and stir in artichokes, leeks, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook until golden brown and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and stir in vermouth, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
• Stir in cooked pasta, pancetta, chives and parsley. If the mixture seems dry, add pasta water, a little at a time. Stir in more salt to taste, Parmesan and lemon juice to taste.
• Transfer to serving plates and top with a drizzle of oil, more black pepper, and more grated cheese.

BACON AVOCADO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels; crumble into small pieces.
• Mix basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt together in a small bowl.
• Combine bacon pieces and avocado in a large bowl. Stir in basil mixture. Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle Romano cheese on top.

FETTUCCINE WITH SAGE BUTTER, BACON AND ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
• Melt butter in large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add sage leaves and cook, stirring often, until butter begins to brown very slightly and sage begins to crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add bacon and artichoke hearts and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
• Boil fettuccine until tender but still firm.
• Drain and add to sauce in skillet.
• Sprinkle in cheese and a generous grinding of black pepper, and toss with tongs.
• Taste and season with salt if neccessary.
• Tilt pasta out onto a large warm platter, or divide it between individual pasta bowls.

ARTICHOKE BACON POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender.
• Drain and cool potatoes.
• Cook bacon in oven (on raised rack over baking pan).
• Cool and crumble bacon.
• In large bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, and onion. Mix well.
• Stir in artichoke hearts, cheese, and salad dressing.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
• In large serving bowl, combine potatoes and bacon.
• Gently stir in dressing until well mixed.
• Cover and chill thoroughly before serving.
• Cook time is cooling time.