LAURA LEE ALICE
COOKS
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Enjoy a delightful dish of asparagus with pasta, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Your favorite pasta is cooked to al dente, then it's tossed with a sautéed mixture of fresh asparagus, garlic, and bacon. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon zest for a burst of flavor. This simple yet delicious recipe showcases the vibrant taste of asparagus in every way!
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This recipe offers bold flavor with few ingredients and is quick to prepare. You can use any type of pasta (the picture above features spaghetti), and there are optional add-ons to elevate the dish even more.
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​​Facts about Asparagus
• Since asparagus is available year-round, you don't have to wait until spring to enjoy this and other recipes that contain fresh asparagus. I like the freshness that it brings to this dish.
• A great source of nutrients like folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
• Asparagus contains antioxidants and fiber.
• There are green, purple, and white varieties.
• It can be steamed, baked, broiled, or grilled.
• You eat the stem of the plant, not the foliage or berries.
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Ingredients:
• ½ pound pasta, cooked and drained
• 5 garlic cloves, cut in half
• 3 Tbsp of a good olive oil
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut in 2-inch pieces
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces (How to cook bacon)
• ¼ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and cracked pepper to taste
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Instructions
1. In a large skillet, place the olive oil and butter; heat on medium until the butter melts. Sauté the garlic quickly for 1 minute; add the asparagus and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until tender crisp.
2. Pour over the hot pasta; sprinkle with bacon and cheese; season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
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Options:
• Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes 5 minutes into sautéing the asparagus and finish cooking.
• Sprinkle the finished dish with ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives and chopped
pimentos from a jar.
• Replace the bacon with Prosciutto, so good!