Shelly's Recipe

OODLES OF NOODLES WITH CHEESE

Category: Noodles / Pasta

4 slices of bacon
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup coarse dried bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest, crushed red pepper, minced shallot and minced garlic
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup soft goat cheese
1 tbsp minced chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lb penne pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a small skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, and let cool. Crumble the bacon.

In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the olive oil until foamy. In a bowl, toss the bacon with the bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest and crushed red pepper. Stir in the olive oil mixture until incorporated.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream and simmer, stirring, until reduced by one-third, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, goat cheese and chives. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the penne to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain the penne and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the cheese sauce and toss. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top and serve.