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Penne with Yau Choy

This vibrant penne with yau choy is a nutritious high-protein dish that brings a fresh, leafy twist to a classic pasta supper. The subtly sweet flavour of the yau choy stems and leaves pairs beautifully with the salty depth of crisp bacon and caramelised onions. By using the pasta cooking water to create a light, savoury sauce, the dish remains silky and well-flavoured without the need for heavy cream.

Ideal for a quick midweek meal, this recipe offers a clever way to introduce more greens into your diet while still feeling wonderfully comforting. The combination of protein-rich pasta and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced choice for a family dinner. Serve with an extra dusting of parmesan and a crack of black pepper for a simple, satisfying homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Penne with Yau Choy

  • 900g yau choy

  • 170g bacon, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion (450g), quartered lengthwise, then sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 450g penne rigate

  • 30g finely grated parmesan (80g )

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

How to make Penne with Yau Choy

Discard tough ends from yau choy, then chop stems into 1-inch pieces and coarsely chop leaves. Cook stems in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in leaves and cook 1 minute. Transfer yau choy with a slotted spoon to a colander (keep water simmering for pasta), then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and drain again. Do not squeeze out excess water.

Cook bacon in oil in a 12-inch deep heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 15 minutes. Add garlic to onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes.

While onion and garlic are cooking, bring pot of simmering water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 240ml pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in colander.

Add reserved cooking water to onion and cook, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 30 seconds. Add yau choy and toss to combine. Add pasta, cheese, salt, and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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