Asparagus and Bacon Pasta
Asparagus often gets a bad reputation, but it’s one of my favorite vegetables. We didn’t have it often when I was growing up–mostly just at Easter. I eat it every chance I get now. I’m always looking for more ways to use it–it’s rare that I don’t love it. This easy asparagus and bacon pasta is a great weeknight dinner option and a good way to introduce this versatile vegetable to someone who may not think they like it.
- Serves: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 – 35 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients:
- 8ounces (1 package) pasta rigatoni or your favorite type of pasta
- 1 large bunch of asparagus (about 1lb)
- 2 cups of bacon, diced
- 2- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 large yellow onion
- ¼ bunch of fresh parsley
- ½ bunch of fresh dill
- ½ cup of parmesan
- ½ cup butter
- 2tbsp of olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the garlic butter:
In a blender add parsley, fresh dill, garlic, salt to taste, and butter. Blend until you get a smooth mixture.
Set aside.
Prepare the noodles:
Put water in a large pot. Add pinch of salt and 1tbsp of olive oil.
Let the water boil. After boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions.
Strain the pasta and add the garlic butter. Mix carefully until the butter is melted.
Set aside.
Prepare the Asparagus and Bacon:
Wash and clean the asparagus. Cut it into sticks about 2 inches long. I personally feel like there can’t be too much asparagus, so add as much as you want!
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the bacon.
Note: Do not add extra fat–the bacon is fatty enough.
Fry until golden and crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Then add the onion and spices (oregano and chili). Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 8-9 minutes or less. Do not overcook the asparagus–you want to keep the fresh, green color.
Note: If necessary, add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter.
Assemble the pasta:
Add the asparagus to the garlic butter pasta pot and stir gently so as not to break the asparagus.
Top with bacon and grated parmesan.
This delightful asparagus and bacon pasta can be served family-style (a big bowl in the middle of the table) or individually–it’s gorgeous either way. Enjoy!
