Penne with Asparagus, Spinach and Bacon

Good afternoon friends.

I don’t normally like to cook. The husband does that. I am a baker.

But once in a while, I get the urge to make something new and delicious for dinner.

Yesterday was one of those days.

After searching for easy and healthy recipes, I found one for Penne with Asparagus, Spinach and Bacon.

Penne cooked and drained

Bacon cooked for crumbling. (I had to do this twice because I burned the first two pieces - which the husband ate anyway)

Parmesan, asparagus and chicken broth (yes, chicken broth) ready to go

Cooking the asparagus in the bacon grease (I don't know how that's healthy lol) + sweet onion + chicken broth

Tossing with the rest of the ingredients

Finished product!

It came out pretty good! Not my favorite recipe, but good none-the-less.

I would probably make a few tweaks to the proportions.

Here is the recipe, along with the changes I may make for next time (in red).

Penne with Asparagus, Spinach and Bacon

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta - 6 oz
2 bacon slices – 4 slices
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
2 1/2 cups (1-inch) slices asparagus (about 1 pound) – I would cut this into smaller pieces next time
1 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
4 cups bagged baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup (2 ounces) preshredded Parmesan cheese, divided – more cheese. you can never have enough cheese.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; keep warm.
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble. Add onion to drippings in pan; sauté 1 minute. Add asparagus and broth to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Add pasta, spinach, 1/4 cup cheese, and pepper to pan; toss well. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and bacon.

If you don’t change the ingredients list at all, here is the nutritional info.