Creamy asparagus and bacon pasta: easy and tasty recipe
Looking for a spring first course that is simple and flavorful? Asparagus and bacon pasta is the perfect recipe: an irresistible combination of the sweetness of fresh asparagus and the savoriness of crispy bacon. Ideal for a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, this dish conquers with its genuine flavors and ease of preparation. Discover how to make creamy pasta with asparagus and bacon in a few simple steps, perfect to bring to the table when you want to impress with seasonal ingredients
Ingredients
Materials
- Frying pan
- Blender
- Cooker
- Dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
Preparation
Wash asparagus under running water, clean by removing the white part of the stem, cut into rounds and split the tips in half.
Brown shallots in olive oil in a frying pan. Add cleaned asparagus and brown on high heat for a few minutes.
Pour in hot water (more than half a cup if the preparation is for two people) and continue cooking with the lid on for about 8 minutes.
Cut the asparagus tops and keep them aside.
Transfer the other part of asparagus along with the cooking water to the blender jug. Add two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of pepper and the basil. Then blend until smooth and homogeneous.
Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water.
In the same pan used for cooking the asparagus, cook the bacon without adding additional fat. When it begins to take on color, add the asparagus tips set aside and continue cooking for a few minutes. When finished cooking, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Pour the asparagus cream into the pan. Drain pasta al dente and transfer to the pan with the cream. Stir quickly to blend the flavors.
Combine the bacon and cooked asparagus, taking care to save some for the final decoration of the dishes. Add the parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly.
Decorate the dish and serve. The pasta with asparagus and bacon is ready!
Observations
How long does asparagus and bacon pasta keep?
Asparagus and bacon pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, placed in an airtight container after it has cooled completely. It is essential to keep it at a temperature below 39°F/4°C to prevent bacterial growth and preserve its quality. To consume the creamy asparagus and bacon pasta later, it is recommended to reheat it in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a small amount of hot water in order to restore the creaminess of the sauce. To keep flavor and texture intact, it is preferable to prepare and consume asparagus and bacon pasta freshly made.
What pasta shapes go best with asparagus and pancetta?
To prepare perfect asparagus and pancetta pasta, the ideal pasta shapes are spaghetti, tagliatelle, linguine, penne rigate, fusilli and farfalle. These types of pasta hold the creamy sauce best, enhancing the delicate flavor of the asparagus and the crispiness of the pancetta. Choosing the right size helps make creamy asparagus and pancetta pasta even tastier and more harmonious.
What is the best way to clean and prepare asparagus?
To properly clean asparagus for use in preparing asparagus and pancetta pasta, it is important to remove the tough and fibrous end of the stalk. Asparagus can be gently bent until it breaks naturally at the point where the tender part meets the woody part. After removing the base, it is recommended to wash the asparagus thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining soil. Next, they should be cut into rounds or small pieces, ready to be used in the recipe.
How to enrich asparagus and bacon pasta to make it even tastier?
Asparagus and bacon pasta can be enriched by adding ingredients such as fresh cream, creamy robiola cheese or a pinch of saffron. These variations give an even more velvety texture and a hint of vibrant color, enhancing the flavor of the asparagus and crispy bacon.
Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?
Yes, in asparagus and creamy bacon pasta you can replace the bacon with ingredients such as pancetta, speck, guanciale or sausage to give the dish a different but still rich and enveloping flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the meat and increase the amount of grated cheese or add a little cooking cream to maintain the creaminess of the sauce and enhance the flavor of the asparagus.
Cookware
Attributes
PetitChef_Official
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