Creamy Bacon and Asparagus Pasta (30 Minutes)

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Who doesn’t love a good plate of spaghetti? But when you add the irresistible crunch of bacon combined with the fresh taste of asparagus, you’ve got a dish that takes this classic to a whole new level. This creamy bacon and asparagus spaghetti is an enticing fusion of flavors and textures that beckons you to dive right in. Not only is it filling and delicious, but it’s also simple enough to whip up after a long day, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. If you’ve been on the hunt for a pasta dish that’s a little out of the ordinary but still offers that comforting familiarity, look no further!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz. spaghetti
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti (10 minutes): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Crisp the Bacon (5 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Sauté the Asparagus (5 minutes): In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to become tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Combine and Create the Sauce (8 minutes): Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Mix and Serve (2 minutes): Add the cooked spaghetti and crispy bacon into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

There’s something truly magical about the combination of bacon’s salty crunch with the delicate flavor of asparagus, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, where a few choice ingredients can create a memorable dining experience. To round out the meal, consider pairing with a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce. The rich flavors of the pasta are also complemented well by a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette. Lastly, for those who enjoy wine, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio offers a delightful counterpart to the dish’s creamy richness.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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