FENNEL-BACON PASTA SALAD

Fennel-Bacon Pasta Salad image

I love when a recipe is simple to prepare but elegant enough to serve at a formal dinner. This pasta is best served warm, but you can chill it if you'd like. -Julian Wong, La Jolla, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

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Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
6 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
3 small fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
1-1/2 cups walnut halves
1-1/4 cups (5 ounces) crumbled Stilton cheese, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Remove drippings, reserving 3 tablespoons in pan. Saute fennel in reserved drippings for 4-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add walnuts; cook 3-4 minutes longer or until toasted. , Drain pasta, reserving 1/3 cup pasta water. Add pasta, bacon and 3/4 cup cheese to fennel mixture; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss lightly until cheese is melted, adding enough reserved pasta water to coat pasta. Serve warm with remaining cheese. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 301mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.