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!

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/creamy-bacon-and-asparagus-pasta-30-minutes/