Pesto Pasta with Balsamic Bacon

Yessir, folks.  Balsamic bacon, and that's all I have to say about that.

For about three servings, you'll need:

+ 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta

+ 1/4 cup of pesto*

+ 4 slices of bacon

+ balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons

+ parmesan cheese, grated, to taste

+ S&P

Put bacon and balsamic vinegar in a plastic bag; marinate in refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Place bacon on a baking sheet, and roast for 5-6 minutes.  Drain on paper towels; when cool, crumble.

Cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes).  Immediately after draining, toss with pesto and fold in cheese and bacon.  Add S&P to taste.  Enjoy!

* Since coming to college, I've been using store-bought pesto, which is generally pretty decent.  I usually avoid jarred pesto in favor of the fresher options in the deli section.  When I'm home for the summer (with access to a food processor), I'll perfect my pesto recipe and get it up here!