Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon for #TripleSBites

Most of my featured recipes for #TripleSBites have been finger foods and appetizers because what could be more romantic than sharing food with your lover?

Although I whole heartedly endorse finger-feeding as being one of the sexier food pursuits, I would rank pasta right up there with food of romance.

This pasta is saucy and spicy yet has a hint of sweetness.  It is unlike anything you have experienced.  The maple syrup is an interesting twist but one that works remarkably well.

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon
based on Sun-Dried Tomato and Broccoli Pasta

2  T. olive oil
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. pure maple syrup
1 t. whole grain-style mustard
8 oz. bacon, chopped into 1” pieces
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
10 oz. whole-wheat bow-tie pasta
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 c. broccoli florets
1 (8.5 oz.) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 t. Gourmet Garden Basil paste
1/4 t. fine sea salt
1/8 t. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, syrup, mustard and 2 cloves garlic; set aside.

Fry bacon until crisp and set aside on paper towels to drain.  Reserve two tablespoons of bacon fat in skillet.  Sauté onion for about 8-10 minutes. (Onions should be soft.)  Add broccoli and remaining 3 cloves garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Cook pasta as directed on package until al dente; drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.

Reduce broccoli mixture to low heat; add tomatoes, basil paste, and vinegar sauce and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in drained pasta, salt, red pepper and cooking water (as needed) to reach desired thickness. Serve topped with bacon and Parmesan.

(Disclaimer:   I did receive complimentary products from Gourmet Garden for participating in #TripleSBites.  I have received no additional compensation for this post and the opinions expressed here are solely my own.   My recipe shared in the review of this product was not sponsored.)

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I have to thank Camilla from Culinary Adventures for putting this fun group together.   Camilla, thanks for including me and introducing me to some fantastic products, some delicious recipes and some outstanding bloggers.