Recipe Thursday Spicy Bacon Pasta with Asparagus

It’s Recipe Thursday! Enjoy this recipe featuring bacon and asparagus, it’s in season.

Spicy Bacon Pasta with Asparagus

Ingredients

5 ounces thick-cut bacon, sliced into quarter inch pieces
 13 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
 2 shallots, finely chopped
 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
 1-2 fresh jalapeno, finely chopped, seeded if desired
 5-7 sprigs oregano
 2 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
 salt and pepper
 1 bunch of asparagus, roughly chopped
 1 pound spaghetti
 2 tablespoons butter
 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Directions

1 – Put the bacon into a fry pan. Fry over low heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is browned and the fat has rendered. Spoon off all but 3 tablespoons of fat.

2 – Increase the heat and add the mushrooms and shallots. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and most of the liquid has evaporated.

3 -Add the garlic, chile, oregano, chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer stirring occasionally for about 25-30 minutes until thick and rich. About ten minutes prior to sauce finishing, top with the asparagus and allow to cook. Taste as season with more salt and pepper, if needed.

4 – While the sauce cooks down, fill a large pot with cold water and bring to boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and cook the spaghetti until it is al dente. Drain in a colander.

5 – In a serving bowl, add pasta and 2 tablespoons of butter and top with sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6 people.

Recipe Courtesy of PopSugar – http://www.popsugar.com/food/Spicy-Bacon-Spaghetti-Recipe-17015262