PASTA WITH PARSNIPS AND BACON

PASTA WITH PARSNIPS AND BACON image

Yield 2 People

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 medium parsnips (3/4 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
Kosher salt and black pepper, as needed
1/2 pound dried campanelle or farfalle pasta
1/4 pound bacon, diced
1 medium leek, thinly sliced
3/4 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss parsnips with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until parsnips are golden and tender, about 25 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until 1 minute before it's al dente. Drain. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes; use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. 4. Return skillet to heat and add leeks. Cook in remaining bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cooked bacon. Simmer mixture until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Stir in pasta, parsnips and cheese. Simmer until heated through and cheese is melted, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; toss with parsley. Serve drizzled with olive oil, with plenty of black pepper on top.