MAKEOVER RIGATONI WITH BACON AND ASPARAGUS

Makeover Rigatoni with Bacon and Asparagus image

Wouldn't it be great to find a company-worthy dish that not only impresses with its taste, but with its nutrition numbers, too? This dish lives up to expectations. -Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and coarsely chopped
1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2/3 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

Fill a 6-qt. stockpot 3/4 full with water; bring to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, 3 minutes or until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry., Return water to a boil; cook rigatoni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted., Drain rigatoni; return to pan. Stir in asparagus, bacon, parsley, salt, pepper and cream sauce. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 428mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein.