Clams Casino Pasta

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon chopped

• 1 shallot sliced

• 2 garlic cloves chopped

• 1 red bell pepper diced

• 1 lemon juiced

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 50 clams

• Black pepper

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs

• Zest 1/2 lemon

• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet and remove the bacon when crisp. Add the shallot, garlic and pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the lemon juice and wine and let it cook down for a few minutes. Add the clams and cover until they have opened. Transfer the clams to a plate and cook the pasta until almost tender.

2. Add the pasta directly into the sauce using tongs to finish cooking. Add a little pasta water as needed. Add the clams back to the skillet.

3. Meanwhile melt the butter in another skillet and add the breadcrumbs to toast about 3 minutes until golden. Stir in lemon zest parsley and reserved bacon. Top the pasta and clams with the breadcrumbs.