Pasta Rustica

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

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.