Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb casieddu pasta
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the casieddu pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cooked casieddu pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach and bacon mixture.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 590
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Casieddu pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta, such as penne or fusilli.
- Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or prosciutto.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions for an extra earthy flavor.
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the skillet if the sauce is too thick.
- Crumble the crispy bacon on top of the pasta just before serving for added texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crispy bacon
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Store any leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
- Casieddu pasta is a traditional pasta shape from Sicily, Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, creamy, and slightly bitter.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian