Pasta Rustica recipe

6 servings

1 pound rotini or fusili pasta

6 slices bacon

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup chopped parsley

4 cloves garlic, minced

Salt (optional)

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup Lindsay® Black Ripe Pitted Olives or Lindsay® Green Ripe Select Olives sliced, drained

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, cook bacon until crisp.

Drain bacon on paper towel; cut or break into 1/2-inch pieces.

Discard bacon drippings from skillet; add oil.

Cook onions in oil over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add bell pepper, parsley, garlic and pepper flakes; cook 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes and reserved bacon; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in olives and oregano; simmer 2 minutes.

Season to taste with salt, if desired.

Drain pasta; toss with sauce and cheese.

Transfer to serving plates and serve with additional cheese, if desired.