Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon
This Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon is a luxurious dish that combines tender bow tie pasta with a rich, velvety sauce, fresh asparagus, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a decadent weekend meal, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any dining experience.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta and Vegetables:
- 4 oz bow tie pasta
- 6 thin asparagus spears cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
- 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp chicken soup base
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnishing:
- 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water for adjusting the sauce if needed.
- Prepare the Asparagus and Bacon: Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and brightly colored. Drain and set aside. Cook the bacon strips in a separate pan until crispy, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chicken soup base, then gradually add the heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece. Fold in the blanched asparagus. Garnish with crispy bacon, toasted pine nuts, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like peas or bell peppers. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal
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