Fast and Easy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bacon asparagus pasta is a simple dish that’s quick and easy to pull together for a busy weeknight dinner! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ ib rotini pasta, uncooked (6 cups)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces (4 oz)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Place a large pot of water on high heat to boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente, 10-11 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water, but do not rinse.
  • Heat olive oil in a heavy saute pan over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon from the pan, leaving drippings, and set aside.
  • Add asparagus and onion to the saute pan. Turn heat up to medium-high and saute until the mixture begins to brown. Stir in salt and broth.
  • Turn heat down to medium, cover pan and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in black pepper.
  • Add balsamic vinegar, pasta and bacon to the saute pan. Continue to cook for 1 minute, or until warmed through. Add pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
  • Toss with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
  • Hack:  Separate any remaining uncooked bacon slices and roll them into individual pinwheels.. Place on a cookie sheet in the freezer to freeze bacon slices.  Place in a sealable freezer bag or container. The slices can then be thawed and used in the portions desired.
Keyword asparagus, bacon, easy, easy meal, easy prep, fast and easy, pasta, quick and easy, quick prep, rotini, skillet meal

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Suggestion:  Leftover bacon?  Make a few of these heavenly bacon-wrapped crackers!

 

Fresh Pasta Salad with Peas

Pasta salad with peas is one of my all-time favorite summer sides. It’s cool and refreshing on a hot day! What’s your favorite summer “go-to”?

Pasta Salad with Peas

Pasta Salad with Peas

Course pasta, Salad, side
Servings 4
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rotini pasta, uncooked
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup pasta water
  • 2 tbsp oil-based Italian salad dressing*
  • 2 tbsp fresh onion, minced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Bring one quart of water to boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add pasta and boil until al dente, about 7 minutes or according to package directions. Add peas in the last minute of cooking.
  • Drain pasta, reserving ¼ pasta water.  Do not rinse.
  • Place pasta in a bowl or sealable plastic bag.  Add pasta water and Italian salad dressing and place in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Drain pasta and return to bowl.
  • In another small bowl, mix onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, pepper and salt. Toss with cooled pasta and peas. Refrigerate until the salad is well chilled.
  • *Use olive oil, if desired.
  • Hack: Store tightly covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword cold side dish, easy, green peas, pasta, rotini, salad, vegetarian

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Use this homemade Italian salad dressing for the overnight soak!

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