The best part about tonight's pasta dish, apart from the bacon? You'll throw it together in four simple steps that will see dinner on the table before you know it. The kids can lend a hand too — keep an eye out for our 'Little cooks' tips!
Always read product labels for the most up-to-date allergen information. Visit hellofresh.com.au/foodinfo for allergen and ingredient information. If you have received a substitute ingredient, please be aware allergens may have changed.
2 packet
diced bacon
(May be present: Soy. )
1 bag
mixed salad leaves
1 packet
thickened cream
(Contains Milk;)
1 bag
baby spinach leaves
1 packet
penne
(Contains Gluten, Wheat; May be present: Egg, Soy, Milk. )
½ punnet
snacking tomatoes
1 sachet
vegetable stock powder
1 packet
garlic paste
1
carrot
1 sachet
Italian herbs
1 packet
Parmesan cheese
(Contains Milk;)
olive oil
1 drizzle
balsamic vinegar
• Boil the kettle. Half-fill a medium saucepan with the boiled water and heat over a high heat. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil. • Cook penne in the boiling water until 'al dente', 12 minutes. • Reserve some pasta water (1/3 cup for 2 people / 2/3 cup for 4 people), then drain pasta and return to saucepan.
TIP: 'Al dente' pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm in the centre. Little cooks: Older kids, help add the pasta to the saucepan under adult supervision. Be careful, the water is boiling!
• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. • Cook diced bacon, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, 5-6 minutes. • Add garlic paste and Italian herbs and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
• Add thickened cream, reserved pasta water and vegetable stock powder to the pan and cook, stirring, until heated through, 30 seconds. • Add cooked penne, Parmesan cheese and baby spinach leaves. Cook, tossing, until spinach is just wilted, 1-2 minutes. • Remove from heat. Season with pepper.
TIP: Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed!
• Halve snacking tomatoes (see ingredients). Grate carrot. In a large bowl, combine a drizzle of the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season, then add mixed salad leaves, carrot and snacking tomatoes. Toss to combine. • Divide creamy bacon and herb penne between bowls. Serve with tomato salad. Enjoy!
Little cooks: Lend a hand by combining the ingredients for the dressing, and tossing the salad!