BLT Pasta

Our friends have been so good to us as we have entered this new chapter of our lives as new parents.  Lots of folks have brought us incredibly delicious food (which has been a lifesaver!).  Not only has it been so helpful since I don't have the energy or an extra pair of hands to cook lately but it has been so much fun to taste different recipes and get new ideas.  My neighbor John brought us this BLT pasta and kindly shared the recipe with me.  So, I'm sharing it with ya'll!  It is easy and delicious!

My aunt is in town for the week to lend a hand so I had time to do a little cooking and a blog post!

What You'll Need:
1 pound tagliatelle or pasta of your choice
12 bacon slices, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
¼ teaspoon dried, crushed red pepper
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup green onions
1 cup fresh, grated parmesan
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup chopped red bell pepper

What You'll Do:

•       Cook and drain pasta
•       Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp and transfer to paper towel
•       Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings
•       Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and any extra veggies
•       Sauté about 2 minutes
•       Add arugula/spinach, green onions, half the basil and bacon
•       Sauté another 2 more minutes or until arugula/spinach and basil wilt
•       Add wine and simmer
•       Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat
•       Mix in ¾ cup parmesan and remaining basil and cook until the cheese
melts (about 2 minutes)
•       Season with salt and pepper
•       Serve with the remaining Parmesan cheese