Fettuccine with Asparagus, Bacon and Lemon

Ingredients:
8 ounces slender asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 strips bacon
olive oil
juice and zest of 1 lemon
fresh Parmesan, either shaved or grated

8 ounces uncooked pasta, such as fettuccine

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil for the pasta. Before adding pasta, add asparagus and cook
for about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside. Cook pasta for a little
less time than package directions call for, until almost al dente.

2. Meanwhile, lay the bacon in a large cold skillet. Set flame to medium and cook until just
crisp, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Empty bacon grease from
skillet, but don’t wipe it clean. Turn off flame if pasta is still cooking. Crumble the bacon.

3. Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water. Heat pan again over medium flame, adding 2
tablespoons or so of olive oil to the pan. Add asparagus to the pan, tossing to coat with oil, then
add pasta and bacon, season with pepper and toss everything together. If pasta seems dry, add some
cooking water, starting with 1/4 cup or so, tossing to heat everything through and finish cooking
pasta, about 1 minute or so. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice and zest, and toss to coat.

4. Plate pasta in individual shallow bowls. Top with some Parmesan. Don’t go crazy here
– there are plenty of flavors going on. Serve.

Source:
https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Food/Stir-It-Up/2017/0427/Fettuccine-with-asparagus-bacon-and-lemon