Asparagus Pasta
Asparagus pasta is a creamy pasta dish with bacon and a light lemon flavor that works as an easy main or side for everyday meals.
Servings 8
Calories 475kcal
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon, small diced
- 1 cup small-diced sweet onion (like a Vidalia onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta (or other small pasta)
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet with deep sides, cook the 1/2 pound bacon, small diced until crispy over medium-low heat, 8-10 minutes.
- Take the bacon out and reserve 2 Tablespoons of the bacon grease in the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the 1 cup small-diced sweet onion in the bacon grease until softened, 5 minutes. Then add in garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Cook the 1 pound orecchiette pasta per the directions on the back of the box.
- With 1 minute left, add the 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain well, remembering to reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Pour 1 ¼ cup heavy cream, 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into the pan with the onions.
- Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Immediately add the pasta with the asparagus to the pan and toss with the sauce.
- Stir in the cooked bacon.
- If it is a little thick, thin it out with the 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Serve immediately topped with a little grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 350mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
