LAURA LEE ALICE
COOKS
®
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
