Serves 6

Notes

Recycling leftovers and turning them into new dishes is one of the most noble forms of cooking, in which food is respected and not wasted. This quick dish can be made with this Kale Pesto Recipe, which is enough for two dishes, to serve either as a first course, or for a family dinner the next day.

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound ziti
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into lardoons
  • 2 cups kale pesto (recipe)
  • 1 cup grated Grana Padano
Lidia’s Celebrate Like an Italian

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Lidia’s Celebrate Like an Italian

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Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Add the ziti and stir.

Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and let it sizzle a minute, then add the bacon. Cook and stir until the bacon renders its fat and crisps, about 6 minutes. A

dd 1 cup pasta-cooking water to the skillet, and simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. When the pasta is al dente, remove it with a spider directly to the simmering sauce. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding a little more pasta water if it is dry.

Scrape the pesto into a large pasta-serving bowl. Pour the pasta over the top, mix well, add the grated cheese, and toss, adding up to ½ cup more pasta water if it seems dry.

Lidia’s Celebrate Like an Italian

Cookbook

Lidia’s Celebrate Like an Italian

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