BLT Penne for Two

There's no denying the romance in a simple plate of pasta.  For me, an image of Lady twirling spaghetti for her adoring Tramp always comes to mind.

This dish is light, quick, and very easy to make.  I recommend making it together while sipping a flirty Malbec.

What's In It:

Pasta:

2 strips bacon, chopped, fried, and drained (reserve 1 tbs. drippings)

1 c. grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 c. leeks, thinly sliced

1 c. fresh spinach leaves, stemmed

1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

1/4 c. dry white wine (If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it)

1/2 c. chicken broth

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

1/4 tsp. each, thyme (fresh is best) and red pepper flakes

4 oz. penne pasta (I've also used spaghetti and bowties)

Garlic Bread Crumbs:

1 clove garlic, minced

1 c. day old bread, cubed

1 tsp. olive oil

Salt

How To Make It:

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Place bread in food processor.  Add garlic and process until reduced to coarse crumbs.

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat, add crumbs and saute' until golden, stirring often.  Set aside.

Add tomatoes and sugar to skillet holding reserved bacon drippings.

Cook until tomatoes begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

Add leeks and cook until wilted, stirring often.

Add wine to skillet and simmer until most of the liquid is gone, then add broth, vinegar and pepper flakes.

Simmer 5 minutes in order to allow liquid to reduce.

Add spinach, thyme, and bacon to mixture, stir.

Add pasta, toss to coat, and salt to taste..

Sprinkle with bread crumbs just before serving.

Adapted from a recipe found in Cuisine At Home