Fettuccine with Corn, Tomatoes and Bacon

配料

12 ounces fettuccine OR pappardelle

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

4 ounces bacon, chopped

½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1½ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed

1 pint cherry OR grape tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into 2 pieces

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, preferably white balsamic

Optional garnish: Chopped fresh basil OR finely grated Parmesan cheese OR both

步骤

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water to a boil. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven over medium-high, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate; set aside. Pour off and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pot.

Return the Dutch oven to medium and add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the corn, tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, about 4 minutes.

Add the pasta and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water, then cook, stirring and tossing, until the pasta is al dente and lightly sauced, 3 to 5 minutes; add more cooking water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed if the mixture looks dry. Off heat, stir in the butter, vinegar and bacon until the butter is melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

备注

Sweet, buttery, salty and smoky are the defining flavors of this summery pasta dish that can be made year-round thanks to frozen corn. Supermarket cherry (or grape) tomatoes are dependably good no matter the season, but briefly simmering them on the stovetop brings out their sweetness and renders them juicy and succulent. We boil the fettuccine until it’s not quite al dente, then finish cooking the pasta in the sauce so it absorbs flavors.