Creamy Blt Pasta Rachael Ray Recipe For Today

CREAMY BLT PASTA (RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once at a full rolling boil, salt water and cook pasta to al dente.
• In medium sized saute pan, fry the bacon until almost crisp.
• Drain and set aside.
• In the remaining bacon drippings, add leeks and garlic and season with pepper. Stir a few minutes to soften then add tomato paste and stir a minute more; add wine and reduce by half. Add tomatoes and heat through.
• Stir in the cheese, reduce heat to low and cook until melted.
• Reserve about 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid just before draining pasta, then drain, return to the pot and add sauce to the pasta.
• Add the bacon in and toss, using starchy water to combine. Adjust the seasoning of pasta to taste, serve in shallow bowls topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

RACHAEL RAY'S CREAMY PASTA WITH SPINACH AND FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
• Drain, reserving the pot.
• While the pasta is working, in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil, 8 turns of the pan, over medium heat.
• Add the capers and fry until they open, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the spinach and cook until wilted, 1 minute.
• In the pasta pot, whisk the ricotta and milk over low heat until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Season with the thyme, some pepper and the nutmeg, if using.
• Add the pasta and toss to coat.
• Discard the garlic and stir the spinach into the pasta.
• If desired, add some of the spinach oil from the skillet.
• Top with the fried capers.

PAMPERED CHEF'S ONE POT CREAMY BLT PASTA

Steps:

• Slice the bacon cross wise into strips. Cook in a large skillet with high sides for 8-9 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Drain skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
• Place broth and diced tomatoes in a large bowl. Microwave, covered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until hot. Return skillet to heat and add onion and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and cook for 10-20 seconds. Add broth mixture, pasta, salt and half of the cooked bacon. Simmer covered for 9-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked by still firm. Stir occasionally.
• Remove skillet from heat and add cubed cream cheese, grape tomatoes and parsley, reserving 1 tbsp of parsley for garnish. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Serve with remaining bacon, grated Parmesan cheese and reserved parsley.

BLT CREAMY MAC 'N' CHEESE (RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
• While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute. Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then the reserved pasta cooking water.
• Add the pasta to the sauce and toss. Pile into a casserole and top with the tomatoes and remaining shredded cheese. Bake until browned on top, 7 to 8 minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss the arugula and basil with the lemon juice and a drizzle of EVOO. Serve on top of the pasta.