Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Penne or other medium pasta shape
• 1/2 lb bacon
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb collard greens, chopped and rinsed
• 1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
• 1 Tbs wine vinegar
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook pasta according to pasta directions, drain.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove from the pan, crumble, and reserve the bacon. Pour off all but 1 tbsp. of bacon drippings.
3. Sauté garlic and onion in the remaining bacon drippings. Sprinkle with salt.
4. Add collard greens to the skillet and stir to coat them with bacon drippings. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover the pan and simmer until collard greens are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in wine vinegar and hot pepper sauce. Mix the collard greens and pan juices with the cooked pasta.
6. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and chopped bacon. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this flavorful and hearty pasta dish with collard greens and bacon!

Here are some variations of the Penne with Collard Greens and Bacon recipe:

1. Creamy Collard Greens: Instead of using chicken broth, add heavy cream or coconut milk to the skillet with collard greens. This will create a rich and creamy sauce to coat the pasta.
2. Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for those who enjoy a spicier flavor.
3. Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
4. Cheesy Twist: Mix in some shredded cheddar or Gouda cheese with the cooked collard greens and pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and forms a delicious cheesy sauce.
5. Protein Boost: Add cooked and diced chicken, turkey, or sausage to make the dish heartier and more substantial.
6. Citrus Zest: Squeeze a splash of lemon or lime juice over the finished dish to add a refreshing and tangy element.
7. Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
8. Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
9. Go Veggie: Substitute collard greens with other leafy greens like kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for a different taste and texture.
10. Smokey Flavor: Use smoked bacon or smoked paprika in the recipe to infuse a delicious smokiness into the dish.
11. Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
12. Creamy Alfredo: Replace the chicken broth with Alfredo sauce for a creamy and indulgent version of the dish.
13. Pesto Perfection: Mix in some homemade or store-bought pesto sauce with the collard greens and pasta to add a burst of basil and nutty flavor.
14. Asian Fusion: Instead of bacon, use sliced cooked Chinese or Thai sausage. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of hoisin sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
15. Tex-Mex Delight: Swap the bacon for crumbled chorizo and add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to give it a Tex-Mex kick.