Here’s a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe for Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon, including the ingredients, instructions, and estimated WW points per serving. Please note that the points can vary based on the specific brands and products you use.
Weight Watchers Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) whole wheat pasta (choose a lower-point option)
- 8 oz fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 slices of lean bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the asparagus during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 teaspoons in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the reduced-fat cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and asparagus evenly.
- Serve the Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley if desired.
