Bacon, Mushroom & Pesto Pasta

An ideal easy budget recipe for a quick evening meal. Ready in the time it takes to cook pasta. Leftovers are also great cold for lunch the following day. You can't go wrong, its a winner in our house!

Time:  15 minutes from start to finish
Cost:  80p per serving
Calories:  592 per serving

 

Serves 4:

• 400g penne pasta
• 6 rashes / 200g smoked bacon
• 1 large red onion
• 300g mushrooms
• 4 heaped teaspoons (approx 50g) green pesto
• Olive oil for frying
• Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. This should take around 10 - 12 minutes. While the pasta is cooking slice the onion, and cut the bacon into thin strips with scissors removing rind & fat.
2. Fry the onion and bacon in a tiny splash of oil in a frying pan for around 5 minutes until the onion is soft and the bacon is cooked. While the bacon & onion are cooking, slice the mushrooms.
3. When the pasta is very nearly cooked, turn up the heat under the pan with the bacon & onion and add the mushrooms. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes stirring frequently so they don't become soggy.
4. Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Add the onion, bacon, mushrooms and pesto to the pasta. Stir well over a low heat until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Serve immediately topped with cheese if desired.

Tip: Use ham instead of bacon – it’s a great way of using up leftover ham at the end of the week that didn’t get used in sandwiches.

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Comments

[Julie]

This is really tasty. I made this with smoky bacon - also leaving the rind on gives the sauce a really naughty but nice flavour uumm

[Gourmet Mum]

Hi Julie, thanks for trying it and leaving a comment! I think smoked bacon is the best, if a little salty. Everything in moderation! Filipa x

[Becky j]

Just had this for my dinner! It's so quick and easy to make and tastes fantastic! Perfect midweek dinner when your exhausted and don't hav load of energy to be cooking for hours on end. Thank you gourmet mum x

[Gourmet Mum]

Hi Becky! It's a favorite in our house for the same reason - it's so quick! Love pasta recipes which are ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta!

Try the Puttanesca if you like this one:

http://www.gourmetmum.tv/easy-recipes/easy-puttanesca-spicy-tuna-and-tomata-pasta.html

Much love, Filipa x