♥ BACON AND TOMATO PASTA SALAD

BACON AND TOMATO PASTA SALAD

2 tablespoons kosher salt, for pasta water
12 ounces spaghetti pasta
1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup red onion, diced
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
3 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
½ cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
¼ cup shaved Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large stock pot, boil 3 quarts of water, when boiling add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and the pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, add bacon and saute until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon to drain on a paper towel-lined plate and remove bacon fat from the pan. Add extra-virgin olive oil, onions, and red chili flakes. Cook until onions are translucent, add garlic, cook for 2 minutes then add tomatoes. Saute for 5 minutes, then deglaze with chicken broth.

Drain pasta and add to the tomato mixture pan. Add parsley and cooked bacon. Toss with grated Parmesan, and add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with shaved Parmesan.