Garlic Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package dry penne pasta
6 slices bacon
3/4 pound broccoli, cut into 1 inch pieces
12 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishments:
Capers
Kalamata Olives
Artichoke Hearts
Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Directions:

First, mince your garlic and set aside so that it is ready to go.

In a large skillet, cook bacon. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving bacon grease in the skillet.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, add half of the garlic and broccoli to the bacon grease, and cook over medium heat for about 6 minutes or until broccoli is just tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the remaining garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add the pasta to the skillet, and stir to coat. Remove from the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese, and crumble in the bacon and any other garnishments you choose. Toss again, and serve.

Serves 4