Last night was the second episode of “Cooking with Courtney” which is teaching my newly married daughter how to cook some quick, easy and tasty food for her hubby.  I found this recipe on “My Recipes”.  It was pretty good but I would make some changes to the spices the next time I make it which I’ve indicated below in the recipe, that being said, everyone did have 2 helpings (my daughter texted me saying her husband had 3 helpings!).

salt and pepper

12 ounces gemelli or other short pasta (we used tri-colored rotini)

4 slices bacon, chopped (we used a whole package so about 6 slices each but more would have been great)

1 clove garlic, finely chopped or pressed (I’ll use 2 next time)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (1 teaspoon would have been better)

1/2 cup chicken broth (we ended up using a whole can between the two batches)

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen or fresh corn

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1  Cook pasta according to package directions.

2  Cook bacon in large skillet.  Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat in skillet, add garlic, chili powder and stir for 30 seconds.  Add broth, beans, corn and tomatoes, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes.

3  Add pasta to skillet, tossing to coat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and shredded Cheddar.