Summer Pasta with Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, and Bacon

One of my favorite ways to use fresh basil and tomatoes! Please don't substitute dried basil, as it will not give the same flavor. Serve at room temperature for a summer pasta or serve warm.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 575 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, juiced
• ¾ cup olive oil
• ½ pound bacon
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or more to taste
• 1 pound farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, cut in half

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels; crumble into a bowl.

Step 3

Combine cooked pasta with crumbled bacon, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, pine nuts, and basil in a large serving dish.

Step 4

Combine Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Pour into pasta salad and mix to combine.