Looking for an easy recipe that will make you think you are dinning at the best italian restaurant?
This is the one. Incredibly easy to make and really scrumptious. Make it this week and let us know your thoughts. We approved here at www.lellopetrelo.com
Create magic!
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut across into pieces about 3/4-inch wide
- 1 to 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan, in a small serving bowl
- About 1/3 cup chopped parsley in a small serving bowl
- 1 large lemon
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds pasta
- 4 to 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 to 1 stick)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (you have the option to not use it)
- Coarse salt, such as Maldon or Callegari Pacific Sea Salt
PREPARATION
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Put the cheese, herbs on the table. Zest the lemon and put the zest on the table in a small serving bowl. Cut the lemon in half.
- Put bacon in a medium-size heavy pot and turn the heat on low. Cook, turning occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon is chewy-crisp, about 10 minutes. Lift out bacon pieces and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm on top of the stove.
- When the water boils, add pasta, stir well and cover. When the water comes back to the boil, uncover and stir again.
- Put 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan and melt it over medium-low heat. When it foams, throw in the pine nuts and cook, shaking the pan, until they turn brown and toasty. Turn off heat and squeeze the lemon into the pan, cupping your hand underneath to catch any pits. Stir and set aside. Transfer bacon to a serving bowl and place on the table.
- As soon as the pasta is tender (it will cook a bit more later on), drain it, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Immediately return the pasta to the pan over low heat. Toss in a chunk of butter. Add a splash of cooking water and a pinch of salt, stir well, cover and let rest 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings until the pasta is completely cooked and tasty (but plain).
- For those who like plain pasta or pasta with just butter and cheese, set aside a good amount in serving bowls. For others, pour the pine nuts and butter into the pasta remaining in the pot, add another splash of cooking water, and toss to combine. Serve from the pot or in a serving bowl, passing the various toppings.