Spring Vegetable & Bacon Alfredo
Who doesn't love a creamy, light alfredo pasta with bacon and all the veggies?
I love a good alfredo recipe and I have to be honest, I really thought that this recipe looked so much like carbonara that I couldn’t pass up on it. I think this is lighter than carbonara and also somehow lighter than alfredo too. You use milk instead of heavy cream and there is no cream cheese in this alfredo, which is my preferred way of making alfredo. But it’s very heavy and rich, so it’s definitely an every-once-in-a-while way to make it. I loved this alfredo because it was chock full of springtime veggies. I love love veggies and having so many veggies in this recipe made me so happy. Especially leeks because I feel like I don’t come across many recipes that include them.
What You Need:
8 oz. bacon, chopped
2 small leeks, halved, dark leafy tops and roots removed, and sliced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus some for serving
16 oz. spaghetti
2 cups chopped asparagus
2 cups frozen peas
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook bacon until browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.
Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add leeks and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Then remove to a plate.
To the empty skillet, add 2 Tbsp. olive oil and garlic to the skillet. Cook until garlic softens.
Add flour and stir to combine. Whisk in milk and chicken broth gradually. Simmer, whisking occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and keep on low while pasta is cooking, stirring occasionally.
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions - about 3 minutes before done, add asparagus and peas to the pasta. Drain.
Combine pasta with sauce, leeks, and bacon. Toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recipe from Celebrating Sweets