Creamy Bacon & Basil Pesto Pasta
with Apple Salad & Parmesan
- Milk
- Cashew
- Gluten
- Wheat
- Soy
- May contain traces of allergens
- Milk
The only way to improve the age-old family favourite, pesto pasta, is to add some crispy bacon and sharp Parmesan. With oh-so-many textures and well-loved flavours, this dish is sure to please the whole table!
Ingredients
1 sachet
Garlic & Herb Seasoning
1 packet
Light Cooking Cream
(Contains: Milk;)
3
Garlic
1 packet
Parmesan Cheese
(Contains: Milk;)
1 packet
Basil Pesto
(Contains: Milk, Cashew;)
1
Leek
1 packet
Penne
(Contains: Gluten, Wheat; May be present: Soy.)
1 packet
Mixed Salad Leaves
90 g
Diced Bacon
(May be present: Soy, Milk.)
1
Apple
Not included in your delivery
1 drizzle
olive oil
g
butter
(Contains: Milk;)
Cooking Steps
• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil.
• Slice apple into wedges. Finely chop garlic. Thinly slice leek.
• Cook penne in the boiling water until 'al dente', 12 minutes.
• Reserve some pasta water (1/4 cup for 2 people / 1/2 cup for 4 people), then drain and return pasta to the saucepan. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and cover to keep warm.
TIP: 'Al dente' pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm in the centre.
• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook leek and diced bacon, breaking it up with a spoon, until golden, 4-5 minutes.
• Add garlic and the butter and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in light cooking cream, garlic & herb seasoning and reserved pasta water. Season with pepper and cook until slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat, then stir through basil pesto and cooked pasta. Season to taste and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil. Season, then add mixed salad leaves and apple. Toss to coat.
Little cooks: Take the lead by tossing the salad!
• Divide creamy bacon and pesto pasta between bowls.
• Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Serve with salad. Enjoy!
Little cooks: Kids can add the finishing touch by sprinkling the cheese on top.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Feb 2026- Flavour: Many enjoyed the creamy pesto pasta with bacon, though some found it overpowering. The leeks enhanced the bacon flavour nicely.
- Ease of prep: Quick and simple to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or even camping trips.
- Suggestions: Several customers recommended adding chicken for extra protein. Some preferred less leek and pesto for a milder taste.
- Portions: While filling for most, some felt the dish could use more vegetables instead of the side salad.
- Leftovers: The pasta reheated well, with enough for multiple meals in some cases.
