Recipe :: Cobb Pasta Toss

I first made this Cobb Pasta Toss recipe a couple of years ago for Ryan, because to be honest it seemed like something that he would go nuts over.  I mean bacon?  Blue cheese?  Pasta?  What more could a guy want?  However, to make it a bit more healthful {and because I don't eat pork} I swapped the bacon for organic turkey bacon, amped up the vegetables, and use whole wheat pasta.  I was right...he absolutely loved it and so did I!  Since our farmer's market stands are bursting with fresh produce and my herb garden is flourishing, I figured this would be a perfect time to recreate it.  The recipe turned out just as great as the first time and has made for some delicious leftovers!

Cobb Pasta Toss {recipe adapted from Rachael Ray's Look + Cook}
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
6 slices organic turkey bacon
1 pound whole wheat pasta
1 avocado, pitted and diced
1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/8 cup fresh thyme, chopped
4 oz blue cheese crumbles (or goat cheese)
2 ears of corn, boiled with kernels sliced off
1 cup fresh green beans

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Place a large pot of water over high heat to boil.  Scatter the tomatoes onto a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and some salt and pepper.  Toss lightly to coat and roast them in an oven until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the turkey bacon onto a cookie sheet and transfer to the oven as well.  Cook until crispy, flipping once, about 15 minutes.

While the tomatoes and turkey bacon are in the oven, salt the boiling water, drop in the pasta, and cook to al dente according to the package directions.  In a small pan, add about 1/2" water and steam the green beans until vibrant - about 2 minutes.  Make sure not to overcook!

Remove tomatoes and turkey bacon from the oven, slice turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces.  In a bowl combine the pasta, tomatoes, turkey bacon, avocado, blue cheese, corn, basil, thyme, and green beans.  Toss with olive oil and lemon juice to taste, plus more kosher salt and black pepper.  Serve and enjoy!