Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (2024)

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (1)

daneanp

Rating: 4 stars

06/21/2016

The orecchiette took about 15 minutes and the kale about 3-4. Other than that, this went together easily and was very flavorful. Will make again.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (2)

Glenda

Rating: 4 stars

04/09/2016

I made the recipe exactly as listed and enjoyed it very much. However, I found it to be a bit watery so I let it sit in the pan and cook a bit longer after combining. Next time, I will add more sun-dried tomatoes, as the bacon overpowered them. I will also either reduce or omit the pasta water, and reduce the crushed red pepper so the other flavors can shine. Either way, I highly recommend!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (3)

stellacorona

Rating: 5 stars

11/06/2015

i thought this was pretty good. followed other suggestions by adding more sd tomatoes and a can of beans….(used light kidney) served bacon on the side (cooked whole package) so it would stay crisp for leftovers. husband thought it was dry, so might try adding a little broth next time. the leftovers could be made into a great soup!!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (4)

jmfknits

Rating: 5 stars

09/05/2015

I've been making this for a long time now, and it's one of my family's favorite dinner recipes. My husband likes a little bit of chicken added to this. I dump the entire jar of julienned sundried tomatoes into the skillet, oil and all, because the oil is infused with the flavor of the sundried tomatoes and herbs. Love, love, love!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (5)

thehymes

Rating: 5 stars

01/27/2015

One of the easiest, fastest, tastiest Cooking Light recipes we've tried. We used veggie bacon to make it vegetarian and the flavor/texture was still delicious. A filling, savory, and satisfying meal —will definitely be making again.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (6)

Cabel0515

Rating: 5 stars

01/22/2014

This was quick and easy and my family loved it! My teenaged son's comment, "so many flavors." I agree. It may have been 4 servings, but they liked it so much that three of us finished off the whole thing. Well worth repeating.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (7)

NormaLang

Rating: 4 stars

01/18/2014

I doubled the recipe and the bacon. I would count the red pepper in half personally and add additional kale. The flavor was fantastic and my husband thought this meal was spectacular. Super easy to make.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (8)

jess3315

Rating: 5 stars

01/06/2014

Awesome dish! When I was cooking it I felt like it was going to be way to light and lacking in flavor... boy was I dead wrong. This pasta packs a decent amount of heat, and I loved it. This is my new favorite quick pasta recipe.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (9)

KeiraRochelle

Rating: 3 stars

11/16/2013

This was very good. I used Cherrywood smoked bacon and used 3 slices since it is a pretty thin cut. I also doubled up the garlic! Never too much garlic for my family!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (10)

carolerb

Rating: 5 stars

04/18/2013

This was very easy and yummy. I added quite a few more sundried tomatoes. This would also be great with chicken if you did not want vegetarian.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (11)

carolfitz

Rating: 3 stars

02/08/2013

Very good, assertive flavors, nice combo of colors & textures. Made to directions, perhaps using a bit more garlic to suit our taste. Substantial winter meal.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (12)

GramercyGal

Rating: 4 stars

02/07/2013

This is really wonderful and a nice healthy dinner. It's also fast to make and I didn't need to make any adjustments - which is rare. This will be on the regular dinner rotation.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (13)

ajvinande

Rating: 5 stars

01/23/2013

Amazing!! I make this recipe so often that my once green-fearing family has come to love kale. Also good with beet greens (from the CSA box...mustard greens didn't work but hardly ever do, in my view!). but most definitely the best with kale. Dry sundried tomatoes in a pouch can be used instead of oil-packed. Prosciutto works great instead of bacon, if you like. However you make it, though, do try this recipe. You'll love it!!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (14)

JoAnne8

Rating: 4 stars

01/12/2013

Loved it. Different and interesting.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (15)

KarenWard

Rating: 4 stars

11/05/2012

A great recipe to add kale into your diet. I think I would added extra sun dried tomatoes next time because I really like them. Also, the kale really shrinks so add a ton and I'd chop it up a bit.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (16)

Kelton

Rating: 5 stars

08/11/2012

Just fixed this for dinner. Added mushrooms, green onions and tomato-basil goat cheese to it. I really enjoyed it! My kids ate it too! Added a little extra melted butter to give it more of a sauce.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (17)

CMMReader

Rating: 5 stars

07/25/2012

This was really good! It is sometimes difficult to find a recipe with kale that the family really likes and this one fits the bill! We get a lot of kale with our CSA and this is a recipe I will return to again and again. I did make one change. I used sun-dried tomatoes that were not packed in oil. I used the water that I soaked the tomatoes in to add at the end instead of the pasta water. It just added a little flavor although it seemed to have plenty of flavor without it.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (18)

Semiresponsive

Rating: 3 stars

05/25/2012

I thought this was very tasty. I already had some mini penne in my pantry so I used that, and I didn't have red pepper flakes so I sprinkled in cayenne pepper. Otherwise I followed the recipe as it was. I'm certain I'll be making this again.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (19)

Samsublime

Rating: 4 stars

03/12/2012

This was delicious! I added a bit more of almost everything (1/2 c sundried toms, 4 pieces of bacon, 4 cloves garlic, just over 1/2 cup retained pasta water) but otherwise stuck pretty much right to the recipe. Not sure what the people who said it was bland were thinking, I thought it had a ton of flavor. I'll definitely make it again.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (20)

KatieY

Rating: 3 stars

03/05/2012

It was similar to one I tried off of serious eats. I'd recommend uping the amount of sun dried tomatoes, adding a tsp of lemon rind, and some basil to give it more flavour. I also skipped the step of adding the kale to the boiling pasta and adding some of the pasta water to the dish,

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (21)

Jenbalsa

Rating: 5 stars

01/04/2012

Used leftover smoked ham instead of bacon and it worked wonderfully. Love any recipe that makes kale taste good.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (22)

Lori1190

Rating: 4 stars

08/25/2011

Added a can (1.5c.) garbanzo beans and a couple extra cloves of garlic for just a bit more protein. Might not be worthy of a special occasion, but the speed with which it can be prepared and the wonderful taste have earned it a spot as one of our regularly made pasta dishes. (With the beans and adding a big, all veggie side salad made a nice 500 cal dinner for us :o)

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (23)

CherCooks411

Rating: 4 stars

05/18/2011

My nine year old son may well be the world's pickiest eater. But this is a meal he gobbles up, and requests it specifically when I ask for menu suggestions for the week. Getting kids to consume more nutrition-packed leafy greens can be challenging. Vitamin C-rich sundried tomatoes aid in the absorption of the kale's iron, so having him love this meal is a real victory for mom :). It doesn't hurt that I find it delicious - and EASY - as well!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (24)

IndigoV

Rating: 5 stars

03/04/2011

One of our go-to recipes for an excellent quick supper on those hectic days. We have substituted ham for the bacon and the dish is as well-balanced as the original. We serve it with a romaine lettuce salad with a simple lemon/olive oil dressing and crusty bread. Really good supper!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (25)

Otterstamp

Rating: 3 stars

02/24/2011

This recipe is like many others from Cooking Light. It was a quick, decent-tasting pasta dish that was a bit blander than I expected having tasted some of their other similar recipes.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (26)

London1

Rating: 3 stars

12/20/2010

I used whole wheat rotini and back bacon instead. Added lots of crushed red pepper as we like spice. Recipe was really tatty and easy to make.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (27)

Karen64

Rating: 5 stars

12/12/2010

This was very good and easy to make. Lots of flavor. I couldn't find black kale and substituted green kale and it was delicious!

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (28)

ninasommer

Rating: 5 stars

11/30/2010

This was terrific. I used my own oven-dried tomatoes, black kale and some really good bacon. Forgot to drizzle with lemon juice. Will try that next time.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (29)

skspillman

Rating: 4 stars

11/29/2010

I followed the recipe exactly, and this dish went over well with my family. I served it as a side with baked chicken.

Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I soak sun-dried tomatoes before use? ›

However, if you do need them soft you can rehydrate by soaking in either warm water or good quality oil (olive oil is most common) for about 10 minutes. Salads and Sandwiches: Rehydrate the tomatoes by marinating in a bit of salad dressing then enjoy tomatoes in your salad in the winter or on a sandwich.

Can you cook with sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Using Dry-Packed Tomatoes

This is a pretty simple process: Just let them soak in warm water for 30 minutes until soft and pliable, drain (reserve the liquid to add flavor to stocks and sauces), pat dry, and use as directed in your recipe. You can also use wine, broth, or other cooking liquids to reconstitute.

What's the difference between semi dried and sundried tomatoes? ›

What's the difference between semi-dried tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes? While sun-dried tomatoes are fully dried to remove all their water content, semi-dried tomatoes are withdrawn from the heat before they fully dry out – so they stay plump, supple and still a little juicy.

How to cook orecchiette? ›

Dried orecchiette should be added to the boiling, salted water and left to cook for nine to 12 minutes, the shorter cooking time resulting in an al dente pasta. Read the packaging for the pasta for a more exact cook time. Once cooked, drain both fresh and dried orecchiette and immediately top with sauce.

Should you refrigerate sun-dried tomatoes after opening? ›

After opening, check the product label for storage instructions. Some brands recommend refrigerating after opening; others don't. If you see no mention of refrigeration, keep sun-dried tomatoes in their packaging or transfer to a tight-sealing container, and store in a cool, dark, dry place.

Can you eat sun-dried tomatoes straight from the jar? ›

Before using them, you should rehydrate dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes in salted liquid for about an hour. You can bring that time down to 10 minutes with a zap in the microwave, according to America's Test Kitchen.

Are sun-dried tomatoes good for stomach? ›

While both soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water) fiber is present in sun dried tomatoes, the majority is insoluble. This makes sun dried tomatoes a good choice for helping with constipation.

Do sundried tomatoes go bad? ›

Yes, sun-dried tomatoes can go bad. Here are some signs to look out for: Mold or slimy film on top of the oil. Bubbling or fizzing in the jar (this could indicate yeast or bacteria)

Why are sun-dried tomatoes expensive? ›

Because of the labor required to prepare them and the cost of the oil they are packed in, sun-dried tomatoes are expensive, especially if packed in extra virgin olive oil or in fancy jars. They cost about $13 a pound in bulk and $10 for a 7-ounce jar.

What type of tomatoes are best for sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Plum, oval or pear-shaped Italian, Roma or paste tomatoes are best for drying. A food dehydrator is the best options for drying tomatoes. Sun or air drying is not a viable option for Minnesota's high summer humidity levels.

What does orecchiette mean in Italian? ›

The word 'orecchiette' means 'little ears' Some food historians argue that this pasta arrived in Southern Italy from Provence during the 13th century with the Angevins. Orecchiette pasta is often served with pancetta, ricotta and ham and cream-based sauce, but works well with most any recipe.

Why are orecchiette the best pasta? ›

Because it's a shorter, thicker cut of pasta, orecchiette pairs extraordinarily well with richer ingredients, like sausage, and hearty cruciferous vegetables, specifically kale, broccoli, and broccoli rabe. Get out of your mealtime rut with these simple, yet satisfying orecchiette recipes.

What pasta is closest to orecchiette? ›

Orecchiette is named for its shape, which resembles a small ear (the Italian word orecchiette means small ear). If you can't find it, it's fine to substitute another pasta, like farfalle or fusilli.

How do you use a jar of sundried tomatoes? ›

They can be used as a topping for pizzas, added to salads for an extra burst of flavor, or incorporated into pasta dishes and sauces. They also pair well with grilled vegetables or can be blended into a delicious sun-dried tomato pesto. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Do you drain sun-dried tomatoes? ›

The oil-packed ones just need to be drained. My current favorite way to use sun-dried tomatoes is in risotto. Slice them thin and add them with the rice—you can even use the hydrating liquid as part of your cooking liquid if you used dry-packed ones.

What is the best way to store sun-dried tomatoes? ›

If you do not plan to use your batch of sun-dried tomatoes right away, you can either: Refrigerate sun-dried tomatoes. Place them in a small jar then drizzle with olive oil (you will need quite a bit) until the tomatoes are completely submerged. Place a lid on the jar to seal, then refrigerate for up to 4 days.

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