Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound animaletti pasta
- 1/2 pound provola cheese, diced
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the animaletti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. In the same skillet, add the diced provola cheese and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked animaletti pasta to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta with the cheese sauce.
7. Add the cooked bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 576
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 1040mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Animaletti pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni or small shells.
- Provolone cheese can be substituted with any melty cheese, such as mozzarella or fontina.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the pasta before baking.
- Substitute the bacon with diced ham or cooked sausage.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pasta before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the cheese sauce to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of pasta water to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the bacon until crispy to prevent any foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Animaletti pasta is a small, animal-shaped pasta that originated in Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, salty, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a party or potluck.
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Region: Italian