Hi Housewives!

If you haven’t noticed already, I LOVE artichokes!  I try to incorporate them in different dishes and as simple sides when I can.  So, this weeks recipe is a delicious pasta dish that is ready in about 30-40 minutes and very flavorful!  It is Farfalle pasta with Artichokes and Bacon!  I use turkey bacon but you can use regular if you wish.  I have never made it with regular so if you choose to do so let me know how it comes.  I also use canned arti’s but frozen will work too.

• 1 pound farfalle pasta
• 2 cans of artichokes, drained (You can use frozen if you prefer)
• 1/2 package of turkey bacon
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• few shakes of red pepper flakes
• Grated Cheese for topping, I prefer Pecorino Romano

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 11 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet.  Chop the bacon into pieces and add to heated olive oil.  Add the garlic and cook both for about 5 minutes.  While that is cooking drain and chop your artichokes.  If you buy them quartered then you don’t need to chop them but if whole then chop them in half and quarter them.  Add them to the skillet and stir everything together.  Season with some red pepper flakes, how much really depends on how spicy you like your meals, I go easy on it because you can always add more later if you wish.  I do not add additional salt as the bacon is salty enough and if you add grated cheese that adds more saltiness to the dish.   Cover and let the artichokes gently cook for about 10 more minutes.  When artichokes are carmelized, uncover and add about 1 cup of pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for another 10 more minutes.

When your pasta is done save some more pasta water if needed and leave on the side.  I usually use that pasta water with any leftover pasta that I want to add to have for leftovers.   Drain your pasta and add about half of the pasta to the skillet slowly stirring often.  Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and toss together to coat the pasta with the sauce.  Serve.  Sprinkle with some grated cheese and enjoy!

If you made a pound of pasta do not add it all to the sauce at once.  I usually add about half of it and then use the remaining pasta for leftovers.  You can also just make a 1/2 box of pasta.  There are so many ways to add your own personal touch to this dish such as different pasta, fresh artichokes etc…let me know how you like it and how you make it your own….

RHC