Pasta With Bacon, Onion, Tomato and Bay Leaves

Last September, when I was staying with Shara, we were watching Rachel Ray, and saw the following recipe. We decided to try it out. Neither of us are the type to try stuff out we see on tv, especially somewhat complex recipies... but we were feeling crazy, so we did it. Turns out, it was pretty darn good! Seeing this recipe on her desktop, in a word document again, really makes me want to eat it again! Anyway, its awesome and I love it. Sorry there's no picture. Enjoy it anyway!


Pasta With Bacon, Onion, Tomato and Bay Leaves

Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni with lines
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
8 slices pancetta, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 fresh bay leaf
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 28-ounce can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1/2 cup grated Parmigano Reggiano, plus some to pass at the table
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped (about a handful)


Preparation

Place a large pot filled with water over high heat and bring up to a boil. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve.

While the pasta water is coming up to a boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon. Once hot, add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the onion, bay leaf and garlic, and continue to cook for about 3-4 more minutes. Add the chicken stock and the tomatoes, bring up to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes.

Transfer the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl, top with the sauce and the cheese and toss to coat. Serve with some cheese to pass at the table.
Yields 4 servings