The only way to improve the age-old family favourite, pesto pasta, is to add some crispy bacon and creamy feta. With so many textures and well-loved flavours, this dish is sure to please the whole table!
The quantities provided above are averages only.
Always read product labels for the most up-to-date allergen information. Visit hellofresh.co.nz/foodinfo for allergen and ingredient information. If you have received a substitute ingredient, please be aware allergens may have changed
1 unit
onion
1 packet
diced bacon
1 head
broccoli
1 packet
penne
(Contains Gluten; May be present Soy, Egg. )
1 packet
basil pesto
(Contains Milk, Almond, Cashew, Pine Nut, Walnut; )
1 block
feta cheese
(Contains Milk; May be present Tree Nuts. )
½ unit
lemon
1 bag
baby spinach leaves
olive oil
¼ tsp
salt
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Thinly slice the brown onion. Cut the broccoli into small florets, then roughly chop the stalk. Slice the lemon (see ingredients list) into wedges.
Add the penne to the saucepan of boiling water and cook for 7 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook until the penne is 'al dente' and the broccoli is just tender, 3 minutes. Drain the penne and broccoli.
TIP: 'Al dente' means the pasta is cooked through but still has a bit of firmness in the middle.
While the penne is cooking, heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the onion and diced bacon and cook, tossing often, until tender and lightly browned, 5 minutes.
Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the frying pan with the bacon. Add the basil pesto, baby spinach leaves, the salt, a pinch of pepper and crumble in 1/2 the feta. Toss until well coated and the spinach is slightly wilted.
TIP: Tossing some of the feta through the warm pasta will melt the cheese and add a slightly creamy coating to the penne.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pasta and season to taste with salt and pepper.
TIP: Seasoning is key in this dish. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt or pepper if you think it needs it!
Divide the bacon, lemon and pesto penne between bowls. Crumble over the remaining feta.