Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Whole milk works, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—any pasta that holds sauce well is a good pick!

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and bacon in advance, then toss with pasta when ready to serve.

Skip the bacon and sauté mushrooms or use veggie bacon for a similar smoky vibe.

Green beans, peas, or spinach are great swaps depending on what’s in season.

Add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic, or drizzle with chili oil before serving.

Absolutely! Turkey bacon crisps up nicely and keeps the dish lighter.

Scale

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.
In the same pan, add the asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked penne, crispy bacon, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with more pasta water, if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot, and top with extra Parmesan or a touch of lemon zest for brightness!

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Add mushrooms or swap in grilled chicken for tasty variations!

Keywords: creamy pasta, asparagus, bacon, spring pasta, comfort food