Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
  • 6 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
  • 3 small fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
  • 1-1/2 cups walnut halves
  • 1-1/4 cups (5 ounces) crumbled Stilton cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Method

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Remove drippings, reserving 3 tablespoons. Saute fennel in reserved drippings for 4-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add walnuts; cook 3-4 minutes longer or until toasted.
  • Drain pasta, reserving 1/3 cup pasta water. Add pasta, bacon and 3/4 cup cheese to fennel mixture; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss lightly until cheese is melted, adding enough reserved pasta water to coat pasta. Serve warm with remaining cheese. Refrigerate leftovers.