PASTA WITH BACON AND LEEKS

Pasta with Bacon and Leeks image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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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

Steps:

Bring 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.
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.
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.
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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365 calorie, Fat 32 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Cholesterol 97 milligrams, Sodium 727 milligrams, Carbohydrate 66 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 21 grams