PENNE WITH GORGONZOLA DOLCE, PANCETTA, AND ASPARAGUS

Penne With Gorgonzola Dolce, Pancetta, and Asparagus image

Provided by Gohogsgirl

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 lb penne pasta
1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed
1/4 lb pancetta, diced
1/4 lb gorgonzola dolce blue cheese, cubed
3 teaspoons sea salt

Steps:

In an 8-qt (or large) pot bring about 5 quarts water to a boil, add 2 tsp salt and penne and cook according to package directions.Before you drain pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta.
In a skillet (12in if you have it) bring about 1 - 2 cups of water to a boil. Add remaining 1 tsp salt and asparagus. Cook 5 minutes (or until crisp-tender) and drain. Discard water. Cut asparagus into bite sized pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat to medium - high and dry pancetta till crisp. Do not drain and add cooked penne and asparagus. If pasta seems "dry" - then slowly add reserved pasta water until pasta is sauced enough to your desire (I usually use about 1/4 cup) - add in cubed (as best as you can cube it) Gorgonzola and gently combine. Enjoy!