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Asparagus and Bacon Pasta

Published / Updated / 14 Comments

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This asparagus and bacon pasta is fresh, lemony, a little bit creamy, and not too naughty! Perfect for spring.

bowl with asparagus and bacon pasta topped with a poached egg

So this was my idea: make a pasta with bacon and a bit of (sour) cream that isn't too bad for you.

I won't go so far as to call this healthy, but it could be so much worse. 😉 Oh and the poached egg... that's optional.

white bowl with lemon asparagus and bacon pasta

This dish is quick and easy. Asparagus is finally in season, and bacon is always in season. It's a good combo. We only use 4 strips of bacon here (split between two people), which is just enough to satisfy that hankering you have. We crisp it up, drain most of the bacon fat, and sauté the asparagus with some lemon juice.

Then all ya do is add a bit of garlic, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and a splash of the pasta water. I actually managed to dunk my hand in the boiling pasta water when making this. Use extreme caution. The sauce is light but satisfying. 😉

bowl with asparagus and bacon pasta and a poached egg and fork

If you feel like adding the poached egg, you'll want to start boiling that water while the pasta is cooking. The egg pictured was poached for about 3 1/2 minutes. The egg pictured was poached the old fashioned way, but we usually use poach pods around here - they're really handy and make it less hard to mess up. Eggs and bacon of course go together, and asparagus and eggs are frequently paired together, so I thought why not.

I am so excited that we're starting to see some signs of spring here. I can't wait until jackets aren't needed anymore and I can break out the ole flip flops. It drives my sister crazy, but I love flip flops and wear them anywhere I can get away with. I'm in snow boots 6 months of the year, so that's my right, dammit! 🙂

bowl of spring asparagus bacon pasta beside cloth napkin

Will you make this asparagus and bacon pasta? Are you as thrilled spring is here as I am?!

If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy my asparagus and mushroom pasta or my creamy bacon tomato pasta.

Questions? Leave me a comment!

This asparagus and bacon pasta is fresh, lemony, a little bit creamy, and not too naughty! Perfect for spring.

Asparagus and Bacon Pasta

This asparagus and bacon pasta is fresh, lemony, a little bit creamy, and not too naughty! Perfect for spring.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
 

  • 4 ounces uncooked penne
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 heaping tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 dashes Italian seasoning
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 eggs (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Boil a pot of salted water for your pasta, and cook it according to package directions.
  • Slice bacon into small pieces, and add to a skilled on medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it's crispy. Once it's done, take it out of the pan and set aside. Discard most of the bacon fat (leave just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan). If you're poaching the eggs, you probably want to start boiling that water about now, then poach the egg to your tastes.
  • Meanwhile, remove the tough ends of the asparagus, and cut the rest of it into bite-size pieces. Add it to the skillet along with the lemon juice, and sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat until it's tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the bacon back into the skillet, and also add the garlic, sour cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. If the pasta isn't quite done yet, take the skillet off the heat until just before you're ready to drain it. Add 3 tablespoons of the pasta water and the chopped parsley, and stir it into the sauce. Add the pasta to the pan and toss it with the sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • I save any bacon fat that I discard and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It's great for lots of purposes (it's homemade lard, basically). I love roasting potatoes in bacon fat!
Keyword asparagus and bacon pasta
Author Natasha Bull

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  1. Laura Gibson says

    5 stars
    I followed your recipe as written (except I fried the eggs) and it's definitely a keeper. Thank you!

    Reply

  2. Laurie says

    5 stars
    To be honest, this was way better than I thought it would be. I appreciate that it’s not full of butter or cream like all the other recipes that came up in my Google search tonight,

    Reply

  3. Lorel says

    How much pasta does the recipe call for? It's missing from the ingredients list. Can't wait to try this soon!

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Sorry about that! I will update the recipe. A good rule of thumb is about 2 ounces uncooked pasta per person, so 4-5 ounces here. Hope you enjoy this recipe!! 💜

      Reply

  5. Healthy World Cuisine says

    A fantastic bowl of deliciousness! My boys think that bacon belongs in it's own food group and that drippy egg... swoon! Wishing you a super weekend.

    Reply

  6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    This pasta dish looks amazing Natasha! I love asparagus. I also love the addition of the bacon. Can't wait to try this recipe! Happy weekend!

    Reply