2848. BAKED TORTELLINI with BACON

serves six


4 slices bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small white onion, diced medium
1 garlic clove, minced
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 packages (8.8 ounces each) cheese tortellini
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Heat broiler, with rack in top position. In a medium saucepan, cook bacon over medium until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel to drain. Add onion and garlic to pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.

Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Add tortellini and bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a simmer; cook, stirring often, until liquid has thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in bacon and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Transfer to a 2-quart broilerproof baking dish and top with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Broil until top is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Martha Stewart/Sarah Carey, Everyday Food, December 2010