BLT PASTA SKILLET

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BLT Pasta Skillet image

This dish incorporates the best parts of a BLT without all those calories. Whole wheat pasta adds wholesome flavor, as well as extra fiber and protein.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
8 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
3 strips bacon
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand, with juices
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 to 5 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish, optional
1/2 small head escarole, torn into bite-size pieces (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, lay the bacon in a large ovenproof skillet and cook over medium heat until brown and slightly crispy, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from the heat, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings. Break up the bacon into bite-size pieces.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat, add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and juices, reserved pasta water, crushed red pepper, basil, escarole and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and the escarole wilts, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Mix together the ricotta and Parmesan. Add the cooked pasta and mozzarella to the sauce and stir to thoroughly coat. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture on top. Sprinkle with the bacon pieces and bake until bubbly and the cheese melts, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional basil if using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calorie, Fat 16 grams, SaturatedFat 7.5 grams, Cholesterol 37 milligrams, Sodium 819 milligrams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 5 grams

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