Bacon Rigatoni and Asparagus
Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and coarsely chopped
8 bacon strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
⅔ cup half-and-half cream
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes.
3. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
4. In the same pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
5. Crumble bacon and set aside.
6. Sauté garlic in butter and oil for 1 minute. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted.
9. Drain pasta; add to pan. Stir in the salt, asparagus, parsley and reserved bacon.
10. Sprinkle with pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Makes 8 servings
Nutrition Information:
1¼ cups equals:
345 calories
13 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat)
32 mg cholesterol
428 mg sodium
44 grams carbohydrate
2 grams fiber
15 grams protein