Penne with Artichokes and Bacon

I can provide you with a recipe for delicious Penne with Artichokes and Bacon. It’s a simple dish but full of flavor, perfect for a quick yet tasty meal. Here’s what you need and how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 350g of penne pasta
• 200g of smoked bacon, diced
• 4 artichokes
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A bunch of chopped parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

1. Clean the artichokes by removing the outer harder leaves, the tips, and any hay inside, then cut them into thin wedges and soak them in water with lemon juice to prevent darkening.
2. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic to brown it.
3. Add the smoked bacon to the pan and let it cook until it becomes crispy.
4. Drain the artichokes from the lemon water and add them to the pan with the bacon, letting them cook until they are tender. If necessary, you can add a little water to prevent them from burning.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne in plenty of salted water following the instructions to achieve an al dente texture.
6. Drain the pasta keeping aside a bit of the cooking water and add it to the pan with the artichokes and bacon.
7. Mix the penne well with the sauce, adding a bit of the cooking water if necessary to make it creamier.
8. Serve hot, possibly sprinkled with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

This recipe is a great example of how Italian cuisine can make a simple pasta special by adding quality ingredients and a bit of know-how. The smoked bacon provides an intense flavor that balances well with the delicacy of the artichokes, creating a harmonious and inviting dish. Bon appétit!