Penne with Asparagus, Bacon and Pine Nuts

This is the perfect springtime pasta dish because it's light while still managing to fill you up and making you feel like you've eaten!  Why, you ask?  Bacon!  The addition of just a little bit of bacon takes this dish right over the top without being too heavy or overpowering!  This is the perfect light lunch or dinner and it's all you need because you've got your starch, veggies and BACON all in one dish!  Enjoy!

Penne with Asparagus, Bacon and Pine Nuts (adapted from myrecipes.com)



 1 lb. penne pasta
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed of woody stems and cut into 1" pieces
4 oz. bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. toasted pine nuts

In a large pot of salted water cook the pasta.  Three minutes before the pasta is done cooking, add the asparagus to the pot and boil along with the pasta.  Before draining, ladle out 1/2 c. of the pasta cooking water and set aside.  Drain the pasta and asparagus and place in a large serving bowl.  Set aside.

In the meantime, cook the diced bacon in a small saute pan until brown and crispy.  Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.  Place the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small container with a tight fitting lid and shake to combine.  Pour the lemon vinaigrette and reserved pasta water over the pasta and asparagus and add the Parmesan cheese.  Toss to combine and garnish with the toasted pine nuts and bacon.

6 servings (477 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com