If you need a delicious but quick weeknight dinner to serve your family, this one is it. It's a creamy pasta dinner filled with goodies like bacon, spinach, asparagus, Parmesan cheese, garlic and cream.
8 oz. rigatoni pasta
4 slices uncured hickory smoked bacon, coarsely chopped
12 stems asparagus, rough ends removed, cut in bite sized pieces
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
8 c. fresh baby spinach
1/2 c. dry white wine
1 1/4 c. heavy cream
4 t. Cajun spice
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese*
Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
In large skillet over medium heat, add bacon pieces; cook for 8 minutes. Add asparagus; cook for 8 minutes; reduce heat; add garlic; cook for 1 minute; add spinach; cook just until slightly wilted. Transfer to a plate/platter.
Using the same skillet, remove excess grease; pour in wine, scraping the bottom to remove browned bacon bits. Add cream and Cajun spice; simmer until the desired thickness is reached, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; slowly add Parmesan cheese; stir until cheese is melted and smooth. Add asparagus mixture and cooked rigatoni.
Serve immediately.
*Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the the canned kind which contains non-clumping additives that will not allow your cheese to melt correctly.