One Pot Creamy Asparagus and Bacon Pasta

For 6 servings, One Pot Creamy Asparagus and Bacon Pasta keeps the list centered on strips bacon, baby bella or white mushrooms and low-sodium chicken broth. Set aside about 30 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Prep 10 minutes
• Cook 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 strips bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 8 ounces baby bella or white mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups milk, divided (meaning you'll use 2 cups at first and 1 cup later in the recipe)
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a deep, 12-inch nonstick skillet or in a large pot, cook the bacon over medium until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and drain all but a teaspoon of the bacon grease.
2. Over medium heat, add the mushrooms and season lightly with salt and pepper; cook until the mushrooms are browned and the liquid is mostly evaporated, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to the same plate as bacon.
3. To the skillet or pot, add the broth, 2 cups of the milk, pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer and cook for about 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally and moderating the heat so the mixture simmers but doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. Stir in the asparagus and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the pasta is al dente but still slightly firm (it will cook for a few more minutes later). There will be some liquid left; that's ok as it will help make the creamy sauce in the next step.
5. In a blender, process the remaining 1 cup milk, cream cheese and flour until very smooth. Gradually add it to the skillet or pot while stirring quickly to combine. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove the skillet or pot from the heat. Stir in the bacon and mushrooms, reserving a bit of the bacon to sprinkle on top, if desired. Stir in the Parmesan cheese or sprinkle it on top, also. The pasta will thicken as it cools.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.