Gemelli with Caramelized Onions, Kale, and Bacon

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this pasta dish featuring glossy caramelized onions, braised kale, and crispy bacon. The combination of sweet and savory caramelized onions, tender kale, and salty bacon creates a deeply addictive flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. We’ve simplified the process of caramelizing onions by using a covered cooking technique, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The kale is braised in the same pan as the onions, absorbing their delicious flavors. Grated Parmesan cheese brings the sauce together, complementing the meaty notes of the bacon. Paired with twisty gemelli pasta, this dish promises flavorful bites with every forkful. Get ready to savor the sweet, savory, and addictive combination of flavors in this delectable pasta dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 3 onions, halved and sliced thin
• Salt and pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound kale, stemmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound gemelli pasta
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving

PREPARATIONS:

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot for the pasta.
2. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it becomes crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the onions and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the onions are soft about 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to medium, and continue cooking the onions, stirring often, until they become well browned, caramelized, and tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Add half of the chopped kale to the skillet and cook until it begins to wilt approximately 2 minutes. Then, add the remaining kale and 1½ cups of boiling pasta water to the skillet. The skillet will be very full.
7. Cover the skillet and simmer, tossing occasionally, until the kale becomes tender about 15 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, add the Gemelli pasta and 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is al dente.
9. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
10. Add the kale mixture, cooked bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot with the pasta. Toss the ingredients gently to combine.
11. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add the reserved cooking water gradually to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
12. Serve the pasta with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

TIPS:

• Use twisty gemelli pasta for better sauce adherence and flavorful bites.
• To speed up the caramelization process for the onions, cook them covered to release their moisture, then continue cooking them uncovered until they turn well browned and tender.
• Allow a little extra water to cling to the kale leaves after washing; it will help them wilt when cooking.

YIELD:

• This recipe serves 4 to 6.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 567
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 44mg
• Sodium: 953mg
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 23g

Experience the addictive flavors of this pasta dish featuring caramelized onions, braised kale, and crispy bacon. The combination of tender and sweet onions, hearty kale, and salty bacon creates a delightful balance of flavors. By using a covered cooking technique, the caramelization process for the onions is expedited, resulting in tender and deeply flavored onions. The kale is braised alongside the onions, absorbing their savory essence. Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the meaty notes of the bacon. With its twisty shape, gemelli pasta provides the perfect canvas for the kale, onions, and bacon to cling to, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch of indulgence. Treat yourself to this delicious pasta dish that combines sweet, savory, and addictive elements in every mouthwatering forkful.