Thursday, March 15, 2012

Cooking Thursday


cookingthursday
If you want to use the picture, just click here for the original.


Good Morning, here is today's recipe. 

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Makeover Rigatoni with Bacon and Asparagus

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and coarsely chopped
8 bacon strips
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2/3 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, bring 2 cups water to a boil.
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Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water.
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Drain and pat dry.
In the same pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. (I baked mine in the oven at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. No splattering and it cooks to perfection )
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Crumble bacon and set aside. Saute garlic in butter and oil until tender. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted. Drain pasta; add to pan. Stir in the salt, asparagus, parsley and reserved bacon. Sprinkle with pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Yield: 8 servings.

8 comments:

Mari said...

It looks really good except none of us like asparagus. I may have to substitute another veggie. :)

Anonymous said...

Good morning Sandra. I look forward to your posts and great recipes. Thanks again.

Stacy Makes Cents said...

Wow! That looks awesome.....but my dad would never eat it. lol

Cooking Lady said...

Hi Sandra, coming to you from Blogelina joining your blog hop. Thanks for hosting and I really enjoyed looking at your blog. Have a blessed day!

Stephanie said...

LOVE asparagus. This looks awesome. Thanks so much!

Andrea said...

My husband always tells me when asparagus is on sale, with a hopeful look on his face. Sounds like it may be on my shopping list this week.

Karla @ {The Fast Lane!} said...

This looks yummy!! Excited to have found your blog! I love all the recipes!

Tami said...

This was delicious, thank you! I added green beans as well as the asparagus and bacon. Then put it all in a casserole dish, topped with more parmesan and bread crumbs and baked for 10 minutes. Yummy! Thank you!