BLT Pasta

Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pasta Salad

Picture credit to myrecipes.com (I forgot to take a picture of the final product!)

 This pasta salad dish, is a quick and easy fix, for someone that is low on time and money. It is visually appealing and full of nutrients. If you're a fan of bacon, or the BLT sandwich, this dish will surely be satisfying.

Ingredients:

4 cups of whole wheat Rigatoni pasta

1 medium red onion

1 pint of cherry tomatoes

4oz fresh baby spinach

16 slices of bacon

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1. Cook the pasta according to the package. When the pasta is finished, drain but reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

2. Add 5 or 6 slices into a medium pan. Turn the flame to medium-high.

3. When the edges of the bacon begin to brown, flip them over.

4. Keep flipping the bacon until it turns brown or is no longer pink, white or translucent.

5. Set the bacon aside for 5 minutes and discard the excess oil.

6. Crumble the bacon with your fingers into fine bits.

7. Wash the cherry tomatoes. If you choose to halve the tomatoes, do so now.

8. Peel the red onion.

9. Chop the red onion.

10. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.

11. Saute the onions for about 5 minutes or until soft.

12. Add the tomatoes into the pan, and cook for about five minutes, or until they are soft. The tomatoes should still have their shape. Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and cook until the sauce boils.

13. Place the spinach, pasta, bacon bits, and parmesan cheese into a large bowl. Pour the tomato sauce over the mixture and toss to combine.

Recipe by Gillian