Pastamore's May Seasonal Recipe

Cherry Tomato Bacon Linguini

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 lb - cherry tomatoes (yellow preferred)

6 strips - bacon

1-12 oz package - Pastamore Gluten Free Plain Linguini

2 tsp - Pastamore Traditional Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 tsp - dried basil (or 1.5 tsp fresh basil)

To taste - salt and black pepper

Directions:
1.)  Heat a large saucepan on the stove over medium/medium-high heat.  While the pan is heating, chop the bacon into 1/4" x 1/4" pieces.  Add the bacon to the pan.  Cook until the bacon is cooked 1/2-2/3 as long as it would typically be cooked.  Remove some of the bacon fat from the pan if there appears to be an excessive amount.

2.)  Place a large pot of water (minimum 1 gallon) on the stove over high heat.  Bring to a boil.

3.)  Add the cherry tomatoes to the saucepan with the bacon.  Stir often.

4.)  Once the water is boiling, add the Pastamore Gluten Free Plain Linguini to the pot.  Once the pot has returned to a boil, reduce the heat so a moderate boil is achieved.  Cook until the pasta is al dente. 

5.) While the pasta is cooking, add 2 tsp of Pastamore Traditional Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar to the pan.  Continue to stir often.  The tomatoes should be splitting open and adding their juice to the pot to create a sauce.  If they are not opening, lightly press on all of the tomatoes until they open up.  If the sauce becomes to thick, add water or reduce the heat.

6.)  Once the pasta is cooked, strain using a colander and rinse thoroughly with cool water.  Add the cooked pasta and basil (dried or fresh to the saucepan).  Heat until the pasta becomes warm.  Add the basil, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.

7.)  Serve immediately and garnish with a little extra basil or a drizzle of balsamic.