Imagine a dish that combines the crispy decadence of bacon, the tender freshness of asparagus, and the luxurious creaminess of a perfectly crafted sauce - all in just one pot and under 30 minutes! This One Pot Creamy Asparagus and Bacon Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary shortcut to pure satisfaction that will transform your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent. Get ready to impress your family and tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that's as easy to make as it is delicious to devour!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz pasta, 4 slices of chopped bacon, 1 bunch of trimmed and cut asparagus, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, add the asparagus pieces to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still bright green. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the bacon and asparagus. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot, tossing it with the creamy sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious One Pot Creamy Asparagus and Bacon Pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use a short pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold onto the creamy sauce effectively.
- Crisp your bacon thoroughly: The key to amazing flavor is rendering the bacon fat completely, creating those irresistible crispy bits.
- Don't overcook the asparagus: Keep it bright green and tender-crisp by sautéing briefly to maintain its fresh texture and nutrients.
- Control your sauce consistency: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's thickness. Add gradually for the perfect creamy texture.
- Freshness matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and smoothest melting.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but brings a bright, fresh note to cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 115mg
