Ingredients:
8 slices of chopped bacon.
8 oz. Baby-Bella mushrooms, sliced.
4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
3 cups of milk, divided (2 cups and 1 cup).
12 oz. Farfalle (Bowtie) pasta.
1 lb. of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
Salt and pepper to taste.
4 oz. of softened cream cheese.
2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour.
Half a cup of shredded or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions:
Step 1
First, cook pasta until slightly undercooked, drain, rinse, and set aside.
Step 2
Then, fry bacon until crispy, save bacon grease.
Step 3
In the same skillet, cook mushrooms until browned, season and transfer to the plate with bacon.
Step 4
After that, in a pot, combine broth, 2 cups of milk, pasta, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-9 minutes.
Step 5
Next, add asparagus to the pot, cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Step 6
In a blender, combine 1 cup of milk, cream cheese, and flour until smooth.
Step 7
Pour the milk mixture into the pot, simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step 8
Remove from heat, mix in bacon and mushrooms.
Step 9
Stir in Parmesan cheese. Finally, serve garnished with reserved bacon and additional Parmesan. Enjoy your creamy asparagus and bacon pasta!
Tips:
- Save some crispy bacon for a final garnish to add crunch and extra flavor.
- Adjust sauce thickness by varying the amount of flour in the blender.
- Explore different Parmesan types for diverse flavor profiles.
Variations:
- Skip bacon, sauté mushrooms in olive oil, and add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Include grilled chicken or shrimp with herb seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, basil, or chives can add a burst of freshness.
Have a nice day!!
