Chef Bihi Rigatoni with Tomatoes, Mascarpone, Spinach, and Bacon
Discover the perfect comfort food with this delectable rigatoni dish! Imagine twirling your fork around tender pasta, enveloped in a creamy mascarpone sauce, studded with fresh spinach and crispy bacon. Are you ready to savor an unforgettable culinary experience?
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 500 g of rigatoni
- 250 g of mascarpone
- 100 ml of tomato pulp
- 1 clove of garlic
- 250 g of smoked bacon
- 4 handfuls of young spinach leaves
- 100 ml of white wine or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- A dash of olive oil
- Fleur de sel (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop the garlic clove.
- Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a dry wok pan, brown the bacon with the paprika.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken broth.
- Add the tomato pulp and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the mascarpone until well combined, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and add the spinach leaves.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce.
- Mix well and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and the amount of spinach according to your preference. This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Recipe Tips
- For an added kick, include a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the bacon.
- Substitute the mascarpone with cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners. Prep ingredients in advance for efficiency.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, 35g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 20g protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work, including penne or fusilli.
2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it can be frozen, but the texture of the spinach may change upon defrosting.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
4. What can I serve this dish with?
A fresh side salad or garlic bread complements this dish beautifully!
5. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or a cashew-based spread.
