This comforting dish blends smoky bacon, tender asparagus, and earthy mushrooms into a luscious cream sauce tossed with al dente bowtie pasta. The addition of Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth, making every bite indulgent yet balanced with bright green veggies.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon hits all the right notes. Quick enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for a dinner party, it’s a versatile meal that tastes like it took hours to make — but we’ll keep that between us.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 slices bacon, chopped
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8 oz. Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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3 cups milk (divided: 2 cups + 1 cup)
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12 oz. Farfalle pasta (bowtie)
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1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 oz. cream cheese, softened
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2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or freshly grated
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions, but stop 3 minutes early. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set on paper towels. Reserve bacon grease.
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In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms with salt and pepper in bacon grease until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside with bacon.
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In a large pot, combine broth, 2 cups milk, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Add pasta and asparagus. Simmer for 8–9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Meanwhile, blend 1 cup milk with cream cheese and flour until smooth.
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Stir the cream mixture into the pot slowly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat. Stir in bacon (reserve some for garnish), mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra bacon, Parmesan, and optional fresh herbs or lemon juice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Dish Works So Well
What makes this dish exceptional is its ability to cater to a wide audience. Whether you’re a fan of bold, meaty flavors or someone looking for ways to enjoy more greens, this pasta delivers. The dish is comforting enough for colder months and light enough for a spring or summer evening. The varied textures—from the tender asparagus to the crispy bacon and perfectly cooked pasta—ensure that every forkful is satisfying.
Moreover, the sauce isn’t just a basic cream base; it’s built on subtle layers of flavor. The cream cheese adds body and smoothness, while the Parmesan brings a salty, nutty sharpness. When tossed with hot pasta and folded with the rest of the ingredients, it forms a glossy, flavorful coating that hugs each piece.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Another reason this recipe stands out is its adaptability. While the original uses farfalle (bowtie pasta), it can easily be made with penne, fusilli, or even linguine. The key is to use a pasta that holds sauce well. Similarly, asparagus can be swapped for green beans or broccoli florets, and if you’re in a pinch, frozen vegetables can do the trick too—just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
For those seeking a bit more protein, cooked shredded chicken or even shrimp can be added without disrupting the harmony of the dish. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or mushrooms for a savory umami boost. Even dairy-free versions are possible with plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy milk alternatives, making this recipe incredibly inclusive.
A Weeknight Hero
This pasta is more than just delicious—it’s practical. It comes together in about 30 minutes, most of which is spent letting the ingredients simmer or sauté. With minimal prep and one main cooking pot, it’s a low-stress option for busy weeknights. Yet, when served in a nice bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra hit of Parmesan, it feels elevated enough for entertaining or a romantic dinner at home.
Families also love this dish because it cleverly includes vegetables in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Even picky eaters are likely to overlook the “green stuff” when it’s smothered in a creamy sauce and paired with everyone’s favorite ingredient—bacon.
The Role of Asparagus
Asparagus is often underrated, but in this dish, it shines. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also contributes a fresh, almost citrusy bite that breaks through the richness. Asparagus is full of nutrients like vitamin K, folate, and fiber, making this pasta a more wholesome choice than your typical creamy dishes.
What’s important is the cooking technique. Asparagus is added during the final stages of pasta simmering to ensure it stays crisp-tender. Overcooking would result in mushy spears that lose their bright color and snap. By maintaining that delicate balance, the asparagus elevates the visual and textural appeal of the dish.
Bacon: The Flavor Powerhouse
Then there’s the bacon—the flavor anchor of the entire meal. Its saltiness, smokiness, and satisfying crunch make every bite memorable. Bacon is cooked until crispy and set aside, then added back at the end to retain its texture. Its fat is used to cook the mushrooms, infusing them with flavor and creating a robust base for the dish. This clever layering of flavors is what sets this pasta apart from more one-dimensional recipes.
And if you want to take it a step further, using thick-cut, hardwood-smoked bacon can add even more depth. You could even try pancetta or prosciutto for a slightly different (and perhaps fancier) twist.
The Secret to the Sauce
Creamy pasta sauces can often be cloying or too rich, but not this one. The key lies in using a balanced ratio of broth, milk, and cream cheese. Chicken broth adds a savory depth that keeps the sauce from being overly heavy. The milk lightens the texture, and the cream cheese creates that velvety finish without the need for loads of heavy cream.
Parmesan cheese, added toward the end, gives the sauce body and flavor. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best texture—it melts smoother and avoids that graininess that pre-shredded cheeses sometimes bring.
The sauce is made in the same pot where the pasta finishes cooking, absorbing the starchy liquid and binding everything together. It’s simple, efficient, and results in a wonderfully cohesive dish.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make this recipe shine:
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Use al dente pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb more flavor as it finishes in the sauce.
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Don’t skip the mushroom sauté: Cooking mushrooms in bacon fat builds the foundation of flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
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Fresh is best: Fresh asparagus and herbs really elevate the dish, though frozen substitutes can work in a pinch.
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Finish with flair: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can brighten and balance the dish, making it feel even more gourmet.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will contrast the creaminess nicely. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty sourdough is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. And if you’re serving wine, a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the dish wonderfully with its crisp acidity and light body.
You can serve this dish family-style in a big bowl, or plate it individually for a more elegant presentation. Either way, a final garnish of chopped parsley or basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan will make it pop.
Perfect for Any Season
While creamy pasta may seem like a winter comfort food, this version transitions seamlessly into spring and summer thanks to the brightness of asparagus and optional citrusy garnishes. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to throughout the year, adjusting slightly based on what’s fresh and what’s in your fridge.
Conclusion
Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon is a dish that manages to be both indulgent and sensible. With its simple ingredients, quick prep, and restaurant-worthy flavor, it’s easy to see why it’s become a staple for so many families. The blend of smoky, salty, and fresh flavors wrapped in a silky sauce is comfort food done right.
Whether you’re cooking to impress guests, feed a hungry family, or just treat yourself after a long day, this pasta has you covered. It’s one of those rare meals that delivers big on taste with minimal effort—and once you try it, you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.