An explosion of flavor: pasta with artichokes and bacon. Imagine a first course that encloses the freshness of spring and the bold taste of Italian tradition. A simple dish to prepare, but rich and satisfying in taste, perfect for a family dinner or a lunch with friends. We’re talking about pasta with artichokes and bacon, a blend of flavors that conquers the palate with every forkful. The artichokes, with their delicate and slightly bitter taste, pair perfectly with the crispy, savory bacon, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. A versatile dish suitable for all seasons. Despite its spring essence, pasta with artichokes and bacon is a dish you can enjoy year-round. The ease of finding the ingredients and the speed of preparation make it an ideal choice for those who want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. A culinary experience that tickles the senses. Get ready to be conquered by the intoxicating aroma of sautéed bacon and the enveloping taste of artichokes. Pasta with artichokes and bacon is a true triumph of taste that will give you an unforgettable culinary experience. So what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and get ready to enjoy this simple and irresistible dish!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 342.62 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 42.21 (g) of which sugars 1.50 (g)
- Proteins 16.38 (g)
- Fat 12.72 (g) of which saturated 4.22 (g)of which unsaturated 7.38 (g)
- Fibers 7.29 (g)
- Sodium 670.20 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 340 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 14 oz pasta
- 4 artichokes
- 7 oz bacon (slab)
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Half glass white wine
- to taste black pepper
Tools
- 1 Frying Pan Pintinox
- 1 Pot Pasta Pot
Steps
Remove the rind from the bacon, the hard and fatty outer part, and clean the bacon from the overly spiced outer part. Cut the bacon into thin strips, which cook evenly, distribute better in the pasta, and provide a pleasant texture to the palate. The width of the strips can vary depending on personal taste. If you prefer a crunchier texture, cut them even thinner. Bacon strips cook quickly, so don’t cook them too long to avoid them becoming dry and hard. Now that the bacon is ready, we can move on to the rest of the recipe!
After cutting the bacon and setting it aside, let’s focus on the artichokes: clean them and cut them into thin slices, immersing them as you go in lemon-acidulated water to prevent oxidation. Don’t forget the stem: cut it into cubes and add it to the rest of the artichoke for a complete and tasty dish. A pinch of black pepper will complete the flavor of this recipe.
Now that we have prepared all the ingredients for the pasta with artichokes and bacon: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté it for about a minute, until golden. Add the bacon strips and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
Add the artichokes to the garlic and bacon sauté, add a pinch of black pepper and, if you like, finely chopped parsley. Sauté for a few minutes, deglaze with white wine, and let the alcohol evaporate. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of vegetable broth or pasta cooking water to the artichoke sauce.
Let cook the artichokes and bacon for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the form you prefer, whether it’s short like penne or long like spaghetti. I used large, smooth penne.
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water for 2 minutes less than the time indicated on the package. Drain the pasta and pour it directly into the pan with the artichoke and bacon sauce. Add a little pasta cooking water if necessary to blend everything. Finish cooking in the pan over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll get al dente pasta, softer and creamier thanks to the starch released in the pan.
Plate and serve your pasta with artichokes and bacon: a true delight! Serve it hot and steaming, sprinkled with your favorite cheese, Grana Padano or Pecorino. Enjoy this simple but tasty dish. Bon appétit from DadCook!
Wine Pairing with Pasta with Artichokes and Bacon:
Pasta with artichokes and bacon is a tasty and versatile first course that can be paired with different types of wine.
Wines to Pair with Pasta with Artichokes and Bacon:
Rosés:
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: an Abruzzese rosé wine with notes of berries, pink flowers, and pink pepper. Bardolino Chiaretto: a Venetian rosé wine with notes of cherries, strawberries, and citrus.
Reds:
Valpolicella Classico: a Venetian red wine with notes of cherries, plums, and spices. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: an Abruzzese red wine with notes of berries, plums, and licorice.
The choice of wine depends on your personal tastes and the type of bacon you used. If you used smoked bacon, you can pair a fuller-bodied red wine. If you used sweet bacon, you can pair a fruitier white wine. Here are some additional tips: Serve the wine at the right temperature. White and rosé wines should be served chilled, while red wines should be served at room temperature.
