Pasta with Bacon and Leeks

 In

Pasta with Bacon and Leeks

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March 29, 2017

Pasta with Bacon and Leeks

Ingredients

Kosher salt

12 ounces mezzi rigatoni (or other short pasta)

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bunch leeks (white and light green parts only), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced and rinsed well

Freshly ground pepper

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta.

2 Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the skillet.

3 Add the leeks to the drippings in the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and cook until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.

4 Add the pasta to the skillet along with the parmesan, half of the bacon and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen. To serve, top with the remaining bacon, more parmesan and parsley.

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