Recipe Details

Wave goodbye to the last chilly days of winter and hello to warm, sunny spring with this lemony, creamy asparagus pasta. The sauce couldn’t be simpler: Just warm butter and cream in the same pan used to crisp the bacon, then stir in lots of parmesan, and toss with the hot fettuccine. This pasta recipe will make an asparagus fan out of anyone, though you could also swap the asparagus for chopped broccoli florets, chopped kale, or shredded Brussels sprouts. Add to your weeknight rotation of 30-minute meals for spring or whenever you’re in the mood for a creamy, Italian restaurant–worthy fettuccine.

Ingredients

• 4 

  slices bacon, chopped

• 1 lb. 

  fettuccine pasta

• 12 oz. 

  medium-width asparagus spears, trimmed and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

• 1 c. 

  heavy cream

• 1/2 c. 

  unsalted butter

• 1/2 tsp. 

  kosher salt, plus more for pasta water

• 1/2 tsp. 

  black pepper, plus more for garnish

• 2 c. 

  freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for garnish

• 1/2 tsp. 

  lemon zest

• 1 tbsp. 

  lemon juice

Description

• 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 8 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. Wipe the pan clean. 
  2. 2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the asparagus during the last 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. 
  3. 3Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, in the same saucepan used to cook the bacon, heat the cream and butter over medium heat until hot. Season with salt and pepper. 
  4. 4To a large serving bowl, add 1 cup of cheese and the lemon zest. Stir in the butter and cream mixture. 
  5. 5Drain the pasta and immediately pour it into the bowl with the cream mixture. Toss a few times to coat, then add the lemon juice and the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water as needed to make a silky sauce. Garnish with bacon, pepper, and cheese. Serve immediately. 

Tip: If you can only find thick asparagus, cut them into 2-inch long pieces, then cut in half lengthwise.