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Creamy Pesto and Bacon Pasta with Beef Strips
Creamy Pesto and Bacon Pasta with Beef Strips

Creamy Pesto and Bacon Pasta with Beef Strips

with cheese and cherry tomatoes

Pesto and pasta is a classic combination that's hard to improve upon. That said, the deliciously savoury bacon is a great addition to this quick and easy dish.

:
Quick
Family Friendly
:
Milk
Wheat
20 minutes
25 minutes

1 unit(s)

Garlic

30 grams

Green Pesto

1 unit(s)

Grated Italian Style Hard Cheese

()

125 grams

Cherry Tomatoes

180 grams

Dried Rigatoni

( )

130 grams

Irish Bacon

110 grams

Creme Fraiche

()

250 grams

Irish Beef Strips

to taste

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Oil

to taste

Water

Energy (kJ)3769 kJ
Energy (kcal)901 kcal
Fat43.5 g
of which saturates18 g
Carbohydrate71.1 g
of which sugars6.2 g
Dietary Fiber4.2 g
Protein54.4 g
Salt2.8 g
Potassium214.4 mg
Calcium8.8 mg
Iron0.3 mg

Grater
Colander

Cook the Rigatoni
1
  • Boil a large pot of salted water for the rigatoni.
  • When boiling, add the rigatoni to the water and bring back to the boil.
  • Cook until softened, 10-12 mins.
  • Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back in the pot, off the heat.
  • Drizzle with oil and stir through to prevent sticking. 

TIP: If you’re in a hurry you can boil the water in your kettle.

Get Prepped
2
  • Meanwhile, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).
  • Halve the tomatoes.
  • Slice the bacon into 2cm cubes. IMPORTANT: Wash hands and equipment after handling raw meat.
Start the Sauce
3
  • Place a large pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
  • Once hot, fry the bacon until crispy, 3-4 mins. IMPORTANT: Cook bacon thoroughly.
  • Add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook until softened, 4-5 mins. 
  • Stir the pesto and creme fraiche into the pan.
  • Add the pasta and stir to coat in the sauce. Remove the pan from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.

NOTE: Adding beef strips? Just before serving, add the strips to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 mins.

Garnish and Serve
4
  • Divide the pesto bacon pasta between your plates.
  • Garnish with a sprinkling of cheese.