Pasta Rustica
Servings Prep Time
4 20
Cook Time
20
Servings Prep Time
4 20
Cook Time
20
Ingredients
  • 1/2lb baconcut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/3c Pickle Creek infused olive oilGreek Basil & Garlic or Greek Oregano & Garlic are my favorites; Roasted Garlic is good too!
  • 1/2c Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chickencut into bite-size strips
  • 1/2 yellow onionthinly sliced
  • 1 small red bell pepperthinly sliced
  • 3-4 Roma tomatoeschopped
  • 1/2c grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2lb rotini or penne pasta
Instructions
  1. Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Meanwhile, slice the onion and bell pepper and chop the tomatoes.
  2. Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch strips. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little olive oil, just enough to keep the bacon from sticking while it cooks. Add bacon to skillet and cook thoroughly.
  3. While bacon cooks, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in the the Italian bread crumbs until they are lightly coated.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon from a skillet. Place it on a plate covered with a paper towel and set it aside. Pour out excess bacon grease (or if you really like bacon grease, you can leave it in the pan!). Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, heat for a minute, and then add the chicken.
  5. Saute the chicken until well browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate covered with a paper towel.
  6. If the pan is dry, add more olive oil and then add the onion and pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 7 minutes.
  7. While the vegetables saute, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.
  8. Once the onion and pepper are soft, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook for a couple more minutes, until tomatoes are warmed.
  9. In the large pot used to cook the pasta, which now should be drained of water, combine the drained pasta, chicken, bacon, and vegetables. Drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to tasted and serve topped with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!