1670. TORTELLINI with BACON, ARUGULA and BROWN BUTTER

serves four


1 pound cheese or meat tortellini
4 ounces sliced bacon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups arugula (about 1 bunch)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Reserve the bacon and discard the drippings.

Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat and brown the butter: Melt the butter in a skillet or small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl or stir the butter with a wooden spoon as it starts to foam and sputter. Remove the butter from the heat as soon as it begins to turn golden brown and smells nutty, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Break the bacon into small pieces and add to skillet with the arugula, salt, pepper, and cooked tortellini. Toss well and divide among individual bowls.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Sara Quessenberry, Real Simple, May 2007