Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon – Prepare to tantalize your taste buds, with a delicious Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon. Picture bow tie pasta coated in a velvety garlic and Parmesan sauce beautifully enhanced by the crispiness of asparagus and the savory goodness of bacon. It’s the epitome of an Italian dinner adding a touch of luxury to every ingredient.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this dish on a chilly evening. My goal was to create something that would warm our hearts and satisfy our hunger. The look on my husband’s face when he took the first bite was priceless. He exclaimed, “This is something “. Oh, my little one was overjoyed by both the consistency and the playful shape of the bow ties. Since then it has become a staple in our home. I’m thrilled to share it with you!
What makes this Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and bacon truly special?
This Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and bacon effortlessly brings gourmet dining to your doorstep. The bow-tie pasta enveloped in its sauce is not only perfect, for cozy family dinners but also shines as a show-stopping dish when entertaining guests who crave culinary excellence. The dish artfully balances the freshness of asparagus with the embrace of Parmesan cheese and the mouthwatering essence of bacon resulting in a flavor experience that’s nearly impossible to resist.
What You Need To Make This Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon Recipe?
Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): We chose this pasta shape not because it looks good but because it holds onto the creamy sauce really well. If you don’t have farfalle, penne or fusilli can work as alternatives due, to their texture and ability to cling to the sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Using butter allows you to have control over the level of saltiness in the dish. Remember, the bacon will also contribute its touch of saltiness!
Garlic: Just a small clove is enough to infuse the sauce with that aroma. Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch half a teaspoon of garlic powder can be used.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts, into the sauce and adds a rich and slightly tangy flavor. Pre-packaged grated Parmesan can also be used. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to grate your own.
Chicken Soup Base: This ingredient enhances the flavor of the dish. If you don’t have it on hand a high-quality chicken broth or stock can be used as a substitute although some adjustments might be necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives our pasta its texture and richness. If you’re mindful of your calorie intake you can opt for a cream or even half and half, as alternatives. However, do note that this may slightly affect the richness of the sauce.
Asparagus: Asparagus offers a taste with a hint of earthiness and a satisfying crunch. To ensure quality make sure to choose firm spears. Blanching them will help retain their color and maintain their crunch.
Bacon: When selecting bacon go for thinly sliced ones that become crispy when cooked. For a twist, you can experiment with smoked bacon to add a layer of flavor.
Pine Nuts: Pine nuts contribute a buttery texture along with a crunch. Toast them until they turn golden to bring out their flavor while avoiding any bitterness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley is highly recommended due to its color and delicate flavor. It’s not just meant for garnishing; it also provides a contrast, to the creamy sauce.
Steps To Make Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon:
Step 1: Begin by cooking your farfalle pasta as per the instructions on the packet. As they dance in the boiling water, you can almost see those bow ties coming to life!
Step 2: In a 9-inch skillet, let the butter melt and sing. Toss in that minced garlic and let it sauté, but just for a fleeting moment.
Step 3: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and that secret chicken soup base. As they blend, pour in the heavy cream with grace, adding salt and pepper to tease your taste buds.
Step 4: Invite your cooked pasta into this creamy paradise. Toss them around, making sure each piece gets coated with love.
Step 5: As a final touch, fold in the asparagus. Now, shower your creation with crumbled bacon, pine nuts, parsley, and yes, a sprinkle more of that Parmesan.
Step 6: Serve it up immediately, and watch the magic unfold on your loved ones’ faces!
Tip:
When you’re cooking the pasta make sure to save, around one cup of the pasta water before draining it. If your sauce ends up being too thick when you mix it with the pasta gradually add in the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon, at a time. This starchy water not only helps to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Also improves its ability to coat the pasta resulting in a creamier and more flavorful dish overall.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it meat-free simply leave out the bacon. If you want to maintain a smoky flavor you can try adding smoked paprika. Smoked sun-dried tomatoes instead. Also make sure to swap the chicken soup base, for a vegetable-based alternative.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the heavy cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy alternative to heavy cream, coconut milk or cashew cream are great options. It’s worth noting that coconut milk might add a slightly different taste. On the other hand cashew cream, which is made by blending soaked cashews with water provides a creamy texture without significantly changing the flavor.
How can I store any leftover pasta?
To store any leftover pasta put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for, up to 2 days. When reheating it later on the stovetop add a splash of milk or broth to help bring the consistency of the sauce.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 oz. farfalle bow tie pasta
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove minced to perfection
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. chicken soup base
- 2/3 cup rich heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper as per your liking
- 6 slender asparagus spears cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces and blanched
- 3 crispy bacon strips crumbled
- 2 tbsp. golden toasted pine nuts
- 1 tbsp. fresh parsley finely chopped
- A dash of Parmesan cheese for that extra garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bow-tie pasta according to the instructions, on the packet.
- Next, melt some butter in a skillet. Sauté the garlic for a minute.
- After that add Parmesan cheese and soup base to the skillet followed by the heavy cream. Season it with salt and pepper.
- Once done add the pasta to the sauce. Toss it well to ensure every bit is coated.
- Then incorporate blanched asparagus into the mixture.
- To finish off sprinkle bacon, pine nuts, parsley and extra Parmesan, on top.
- Serve this delicious dish hot. Savor its flavors!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
