Disclosure: This is my final post as a member of the Kraft Tastemakers Team. It has been an incredibly enriching and enjoyable year, and I’m grateful for the partnership. As always, all recipes and opinions expressed remain authentically my own. Thank you, Kraft Foods, for an unforgettable journey!
Embracing Spring with a Fresh Take: Bacon, Avocado, Bleu Cheese & Basil Pasta
Spring truly is a magnificent season of renewal and revitalization. As the last vestiges of winter snow melt away and delicate buds begin to emerge on tree branches, I find myself filled with a renewed surge of energy. This invigorating feeling often translates into a desire to refresh and organize my surroundings. My bookshelves undergo a meticulous tidying, my kitchen gleams from a top-to-bottom deep clean, and even my pillows are aired out on the line, soaking in the gentle, strengthening rays of the sun.
Oh, if only this powerful burst of productivity could extend to conquering my decades-long struggle with the enigmatic “laundry monster” that lurks in my basement! Alas, not even the inspiring spirit of spring seems to possess the magic to win that particular battle. However, I am channeling this organizational urge into another passion: my blog archives. It’s time to bring some order and a fresh look to beloved recipes from the early days of Foodie with Family – old favorites that, despite their enduring deliciousness, suffer from outdated formatting, less-than-appetizing photography, and a distinct lack of convenient printable versions. These culinary gems are more than ripe for a much-needed makeover.
And so, today marks the beginning of this exciting process. Allow me to introduce you, or perhaps re-introduce you, to a dish that has been a cherished companion in my kitchen for years: Bacon, Gorgonzola, Avocado, and Basil Pasta. This recipe first graced my blog in 2010 and has since become a steadfast fixture in my meal rotation, especially when my husband is away on business trips. You might wonder why. It’s not that he dislikes it – quite the opposite, he absolutely loves it! But when I’m dining solo, I often find myself craving comforting, yet fast and simple, foods that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed over a couple of days. This pasta dish perfectly hits all those comforting notes, offering a satisfying meal without much fuss. Plus, when it’s just me, I don’t have to worry if my breath is a little “odiferous” from all that delicious garlic and bleu cheese!
The Evolution of a Family Favorite: From Archive to Fresh New Look
For those curious to see how far this recipe and my photography skills have come, I invite you to take a nostalgic peek at the original recipe post and its photos. Then, journey back here to witness the significant improvements. I believe we can all agree that there has been a considerable evolution! It’s truly rewarding to revisit these older posts and give them the attention and presentation they deserve, reflecting the growth and learning that has occurred over the years.
In celebration of spring’s beautiful arrival – finally! – and the way it polishes the world, making everything appear new and vibrant, I am delighted to present you with a beautifully updated, printable version of this enduring archived favorite. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about comfort, simplicity, and the joy of a good meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a light meal when you’re craving something packed with flavor.
Avocado, Bacon, Bleu Cheese Pasta
Chef: Rebecca Lindamood
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Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked small shaped pasta (e.g., fusilli, farfalle, penne, wagon wheels)
- 12 to 16 ounces thick-sliced bacon, such as Oscar Mayer, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 2 small cooking onions, peeled, cut in half, and sliced into half-moons
- 1 very ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and discarded
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, snipped or very thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese, such as Athenos bleu cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by adding the bacon strips to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Stir the bacon frequently to ensure even cooking, and continue until it becomes wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon pieces to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess fat to drain. Carefully pour out all but about 2 teaspoons of the rendered bacon fat from the pan. This remaining fat will infuse your onions with incredible flavor.
- Return the skillet to the burner over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the pan along with a small pinch of salt. Stir the onions frequently, cooking them until they are crisp-tender and develop a beautiful golden color, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Transfer these flavorful, softened onions to a large mixing bowl, where they will form the base of your pasta sauce.
- Take the peeled and pitted avocado halves and pour the lemon juice directly over them. This helps prevent browning and adds a bright, zesty note. Coarsely chop the avocado and add it to the bowl with the cooked onions. Gently stir to combine these ingredients. Next, incorporate the red wine vinegar, minced garlic (or garlic paste), and all but 2 tablespoons each of the crispy bacon, snipped fresh basil, and crumbled bleu cheese. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly but gently, ensuring the avocado is somewhat mashed and evenly distributed, creating a creamy texture.
- While preparing your sauce, bring a generous gallon of water to a full, rolling boil in a large stockpot. Once boiling, season the water generously with salt – this is crucial for flavoring the pasta from within. Pour in your chosen small-shaped pasta (fusilli, farfalle, penne, or wagon wheels work wonderfully). Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente consistency, meaning it is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Drain the cooked pasta well and immediately add the hot pasta to the avocado mixture in the large mixing bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the creamy avocado sauce coats every strand of pasta. If the sauce appears too thick or needs a little more moisture, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasonings with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. To serve, top the pasta with the remaining reserved basil, crispy bacon, and crumbled bleu cheese. This dish is delightful served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Exploring the Ingredients: Flavor Profiles and Pairings
Let’s dive a little deeper into the star ingredients that make this Avocado, Bacon, Bleu Cheese, and Basil Pasta so irresistible. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The Crispy Bacon: A Salty, Savory Foundation
Bacon is more than just a topping; it’s the savory backbone of this dish. Thick-sliced bacon, like Oscar Mayer, is preferred because it renders beautifully, providing both crispy bits and flavorful fat to sauté the onions. The smokiness of the bacon adds a depth that perfectly complements the creamy avocado and sharp bleu cheese. Don’t rush the cooking process – slowly rendering the bacon over medium heat ensures maximum crispiness and flavor extraction.
The Creamy Avocado: Nature’s Butter
A very ripe avocado is key to the luscious, creamy “sauce” that coats the pasta. Its natural healthy fats contribute a velvety texture and a mild, earthy flavor that balances the strong notes of bacon and bleu cheese. The touch of lemon juice isn’t just for preventing browning; it also adds a subtle brightness that elevates the avocado’s freshness. Choosing the right avocado means finding one that yields gently to pressure, indicating perfect ripeness.
Bleu Cheese (Gorgonzola): The Pungent Perfection
Whether you call it bleu cheese or Gorgonzola (Gorgonzola is a type of Italian bleu cheese, often a bit milder), its distinctive pungent, salty, and tangy flavor is what truly makes this dish sing. Athenos bleu cheese crumbles are a fantastic choice, providing pockets of intense flavor that melt slightly into the warm pasta. If you’re new to bleu cheese, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. Its bold character provides a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the avocado and bacon.
Fresh Basil: Aromatic Herbaceousness
Fresh basil leaves are non-negotiable for this recipe. Their sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like aroma is intoxicating and adds a vibrant freshness that lifts the entire dish. Snipped or thinly sliced (chiffonade), the basil is added mostly at the end to preserve its delicate flavor and bright green color. This burst of fresh herb is truly what ties all the other bold flavors together.
The Pasta: The Canvas for Flavor
Small-shaped pasta, such as fusilli (corkscrews), farfalle (bow ties), penne, or even wagon wheels, are ideal because their nooks and crannies, or wide surfaces, are excellent at catching and holding onto the creamy avocado and bleu cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cooking to al dente is crucial; pasta that’s too soft won’t offer the necessary texture contrast to the other ingredients.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
This Bacon, Avocado, Bleu Cheese, and Basil Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few tips and variations to make it your own:
- Reserved Pasta Water is Gold: Don’t skip reserving that pasta water! The starch in it helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the pasta. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
- Temperature Matters: This dish is fantastic warm or at room temperature. If serving it later, you might need another splash of pasta water or a tiny bit of olive oil to loosen the sauce as it cools and thickens.
- Add a Veggie Boost: For extra color and nutrients, consider folding in some halved cherry tomatoes or blanched asparagus tips along with the avocado.
- Protein Power-Up: While bacon is a star, you could also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for an additional protein boost.
- Cheese Alternatives: If bleu cheese is too strong for your palate, consider a milder goat cheese or even a sharp Pecorino Romano for a different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give this dish a subtle kick.
I truly hope this refreshed recipe inspires you to create something delicious and comforting in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that embodies the simplicity and fresh flavors that I adore, especially as we welcome the beauty of spring.
While you’re creating delicious meals, don’t forget to hop on over to KraftRecipes.com. They are always a fantastic resource for stocking up on great Spring dessert ideas and countless other culinary inspirations!
GIVEAWAY: Celebrate with a $100 Kraft Foods Gift Card!
Now for an exciting treat! In honor of our wonderful year-long partnership, Kraft Foods has generously offered to give one lucky Foodie with Family reader a $100 gift card! This is a fantastic opportunity to stock your pantry with your favorite Kraft products and get creative in the kitchen. Imagine all the delicious meals and treats you could make!
Want to win this amazing prize? Participating is easy! Simply follow the instructions in the giveaway widget below. Good luck to everyone, and thank you for being such an integral part of the Foodie with Family community. I can’t wait to see who wins!
(Please note: The interactive giveaway widget would typically appear here in a live blog post. To enter, readers would follow the instructions within that embedded widget.)