This pasta dish is a delicious combination of fresh asparagus and bacon, with a light cream sauce that’s perfect for summer. The flavors blend together beautifully, and it’s so easy to make!
This creamy pasta with asparagus and bacon recipe is the perfect comfort food. The asparagus gives the dish a beautiful green color, while the bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 slices of bacon – chopped
- 8 oz. Baby-Bella mushrooms – sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups of milk divided into 2 cups and 1 Cup
- 12 oz. Farfalle pasta (Bowtie pasta)
- 1 lb. asparagus – Trim the ends and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- 4 oz. cream cheese – softened
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or freshly grated
INSTRUCTIONS
The package suggests cooking the pasta for 3 minutes less, but it is still al dente. Rinse the pasta and place it aside.
Cook the bacon in a nonstick 12-inch skillet or cast-iron skillet (my favorite), until crisp.
Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Put the bacon grease in a bowl. You will use it later.
Heat the bacon in the same pan as the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the mushrooms for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and most of the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the mushrooms to the same plate with bacon.
Add the broth, 2 cups milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a large pot. Salt and 1/4 teaspoon. pepper.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally, and reduce heat to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Cook the asparagus for 4 to 5 more minutes. The pasta will remain firm but tender. You will have some liquid leftover. This is normal as it will help you make the creamy sauce in step 2.
Blend 1 cup milk, cream cheese, flour, and water in a blender until smooth.
Slowly add the mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute to thicken.
The pot should be taken off the heat. As a garnish, reserve a little bacon. Stir the remaining bacon and mushrooms into the sauce.
Mix in the Parmesan cheese.
Garnish the pasta with bacon or more Parmesan cheese if you like.
NOTES
Farfalle is a family favorite so I keep it in stock. It will work well with any other type of pasta unless it is very small. Penne pasta is a great choice.