Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon

Are you looking for a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? Look no further than Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon! This dish is packed with savory flavors, including crispy bacon, tender asparagus, and creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and taste the deliciousness for yourself!

Tips and tricks for making Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon:

1. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more evenly and give the sauce a better texture and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
2. Add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat: If you like your pasta with a little kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the dish. This will give it a slight heat without overpowering the other flavors.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy: To get the best texture and flavor, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. This will help give the dish a nice crunch and prevent the bacon from becoming chewy or rubbery.
4. Reserve some pasta water: When draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
5. Add the asparagus towards the end of cooking: To prevent overcooking the asparagus, add it towards the end of cooking so it stays tender and retains its bright green color.

Some variations to the Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon recipe that you can try:

1. Prosciutto instead of bacon: If you prefer a more delicate flavor, you can substitute the bacon with prosciutto. This will give the dish a more refined taste and a slightly different texture.
2. Peas instead of asparagus: If you don’t have asparagus on hand or prefer a different vegetable, try using peas instead. They will add a pop of sweetness and a contrasting texture to the dish.
3. Mushroom and spinach: For a vegetarian version, try adding sliced mushrooms and spinach to the dish. Sauté them in garlic and olive oil before adding the cream sauce for extra flavor.
4. Lemon and thyme: Add some brightness to the dish by adding fresh lemon zest and thyme. The lemon will add a refreshing note to the creamy sauce, while thyme will complement the bacon and asparagus.
5. Tomatoes and basil: If you want a more summery version, add some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to the dish. The tomatoes will add a burst of sweetness, while the basil will add a fragrant aroma.

By trying out these variations, you can switch things up and create new flavor combinations for your Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon dish.

 

How to serve Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon:

1. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese: To add some extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta before serving.
2. Top with crispy bacon bits: For an extra crunch, chop up some extra bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the pasta. This will add some extra savory flavor and texture.
3. Drizzle with olive oil: For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta. This will add a rich, fruity flavor and a glossy finish.
4. Add fresh herbs: For a pop of color and flavor, garnish the pasta with some fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives. This will add a refreshing note and complement the other flavors in the dish.
5. Serve with garlic bread: To round out the meal, serve the pasta with some garlic bread. This will add a crunchy texture and a fragrant aroma that will complement the pasta perfectly.

GET THE FULL (PRINTABLE) HOW TO MAKE CREAMY PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS AND BACON RECIPE BELOW!

Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon

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Serves: 4 Prep Time: 20 MIN Cooking Time: 30 MIN 30 MIN

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 8 ounces of Baby-Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups of milk, divided into 2 cups and 1 cup
• 12 ounces of Farfalle pasta (Bowtie pasta)
• 1 pound of asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, shredded or freshly grated

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the lowest recommended time on the package. Drain the pasta, rinse it, and set it aside.
2. In a 12-inch nonstick or cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pour the bacon grease into a bowl to save for later use.
3. Using the same pan from the bacon, heat to medium and add the mushrooms, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the mushrooms for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and most of the liquid is evaporated. Transfer the mushrooms to the same plate as the bacon.
4. In a larger pot, add the broth, 2 cups of milk, pasta, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, and moderating the heat to avoid sticking.
5. Add the asparagus to the pot and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the pasta is al dente but still slightly firm. A bit of liquid will be left, which is needed to make the creamy sauce in the next step.
6. In a blender, combine 1 cup of milk, cream cheese, and flour and blend until smooth. Slowly add the mixture to the pot while stirring quickly to combine. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove the pot from heat. Reserve a bit of bacon for garnish, and stir the rest of the bacon and mushrooms into the sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
8. Plate the pasta and garnish with bacon and more Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

I highly encourage you to try out this delicious Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon recipe! It's an easy and flavorful dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Don't forget to try out some of the suggested variations and serving suggestions to add your own personal touch to the recipe.

I highly encourage you to try out this delicious Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon recipe! It’s an easy and flavorful dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Don’t forget to try out some of the suggested variations and serving suggestions to add your own personal touch to the recipe.