This is a print preview of "Macaroni in Pesto with Bacon" recipe.

Macaroni in Pesto with Bacon Recipe
by ShaleeDP

Macaroni in Pesto with Bacon

A pesto simply made yet very tasty.

Rating: 4.3/5
Avg. 4.3/5 2 votes
Prep time: Italy Italian
Cook time: Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 450g dried chunky pasta shapes – such as rigatoni or penne
  • 1 tbsp. oil
  • 8 slices streaky bacon, diced
  • 1 chilli, finely chopped
  • For Pesto
  • 1 large bunch of fresh basil
  • 50g pinenuts
  • 50g cheddar cheese, chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4-6 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Bacon bits

Directions

  1. To make the Pesto:
  2. Whiz the basil, pinenuts, cheese and garlic together in the processor.
  3. Add the oil gradually.
  4. Add the pasta to a large saucepan of boiling water and simmer until just done, 7-8 minutes approx.
  5. Drain but keep a few tablesp. of the cooking water.
  6. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta and adds a certain creaminess.
  7. In a large pan cook the bacon in hot oil until crisp.
  8. Stir in the chilli and 1-2 tablesp. of the cooking liquid.
  9. Remove from the heat.
  10. My Suggestion to Serve this is:
  11. Place the pan back on the heat.
  12. Stir in the pasta and heat through.
  13. Add enough pesto to flavor well.
  14. Leftover pesto holds very well in the fridge and is a great addition to lots of meals and quick snacks.