Simple Way to Bacon Carbonara With Cream Cheese

Asparagus Carbonara

Pumpkin adds a fall twist to the classic pasta carbonara.

Recipe Summary Asparagus Carbonara

When spring arrives and asparagus is in abundance, be sure to include some in this lighter, fresher version of carbonara.

Ingredients | Bacon Carbonara With Cream Cheese

1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti

4 slices center-cut bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch slices

1 ½ cups thin asparagus, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths

1 large clove garlic, minced

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

3 egg yolks, at room temperature

½ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fat free half-and-half

¼ cup freshly chopped parsley

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook bacon until browned, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate using a slotted spoon. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from the skillet.

Add asparagus to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until asparagus begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer asparagus and garlic to the plate with the bacon.

Reserve 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese for garnish. Whisk together remaining Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Drain spaghetti, setting aside about 3/4 cup of the cooking water, and return spaghetti to the pot. Stir in egg yolk mixture and toss for 1 minute until evenly coated. Return the pot back to low heat and cook, adjusting consistency with reserved cooking water if necessary, 1 to 2 minutes.

Turn off heat, pour in half-and-half, and stir well. Mix in bacon and asparagus. Garnish with reserved Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

If you prefer, feel free to substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan cheese.

Info | Bacon Carbonara With Cream Cheese

prep: 15 mins cook: 20 mins total: 35 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings

TAG : Asparagus Carbonara

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