Skip to Content

Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Spaghetti

Thank you to Shaw’s for partnering with me on this post through Kitchen PLAY. I was compensated for developing this recipe.

Spring is here at last, and recipes like this Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Spaghetti are perfect for the change of season.

“How do you do it all?” a colleague asked the other day, learning for the first time that I am a single mother.

We were leaving a lunch meeting, and I needed to head back to my office for another meeting. After that, there was a quick trip to Shaw’s for groceries, Girl Scout pickup, a leaders’ and daughters’ dinner and a little more work to get done. As he asked, my schedule was already swirling in my head.

I have two kids. We all do a lot. There’s ballet and track, work events and Girl Scout meetings. Sometimes we have things happening at the same time — like the night when my son wanted to go to a school dance but I was working at an event. Or the Tuesday a few weeks back when my son’s first track meet started before I needed to drop my daughter off to ballet class.

Our calendar is overflowing. But we manage. Plus, it’s spring, so the promise of summer is everywhere — and that helps a lot.

I replied with an answer about organization and using digital calendars to keep everything running smoothly. Those things definitely help. It’s how I keep from forgetting things But the simple fact is, in fact, way simpler: I don’t do it all. Not even close. In fact, I just do the best I can.

The best I can is paved with the help of a lot of supportive, kind people. I might be a single parent, but that doesn’t mean I am alone. I have a village that’s stepped up to help me again and again.

That night with the dance? My son went. A friend’s mom picked him up from my event and deposited him at the school dance. And that first track meet? I was there for almost the whole thing thanks to a friend who took Paige to ballet so that I could just go.

I personally do as much as I can, and I accept the help of others when I can’t. And when we can’t do something, that’s okay too.

And when it comes to meals — an important element to two growing kids — I try to keep things simple but tasty, easy but elegant. This pasta dish is all of that. And they both love it.

Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Spaghetti can be made in about 20 minutes. It’s that easy and simple. But tasting it, you’d never know.

And made with just a few ingredients, this is so easy to make on the fly at the last minute. It’s just right for those busy evenings. Or for those days when you expel all your energy at work. Or when you forgot to plan dinner and need to pick up ingredients fast.

I am so excited to have partnered with Shaw’s for this recipe. One of their store brands, Signature, includes so many great products you can only get in their stores — like spaghetti that cooks to a perfect al dente and fire roasted red peppers that bring so much clean, springy flavor to a dish like this. Or that bacon … mmm. That tasty hickory smoked bacon that adds a pop of flavor to this pasta. In fact, the Signature line includes more than 4,000 items and all have a 100 percent money back guarantee. From pantry staples to coffee, soup to fresh produce, frozen foods to prepared ones, it’s a pretty extensive line perfect for making quick, nutritious meals for your family.

Making this is easy. Bacon is cooked to crisp, while spaghetti is cooked to al dente. Then asparagus is cooked to crisp tender in a little of the bacon drippings.

Finally, you toss together the spaghetti, asparagus, tomato, roasted red peppers and parsley — along with the bacon, of course.

Season it a little with salt and pepper, if desired. Then it’s ready to serve. Who wants to dig in?

This easy recipe is delightful. The springy asparagus and parsley and the bright flavors of the tomato and roasted red peppers keep the dish light and satisfying, while the touch of bacon gives it a pleasant oomph. I love it, and so do my kids.

And once you’re done with your delicious dinner, those leftovers make a fabulous lunch too.

Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Spaghetti

Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Spaghetti

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 slices Signature Farms® Bacon, , any variety
  • 1 lb Signature Kitchens® Spaghetti
  • 1 bunch asparagus, , ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • salt and pepper, , to taste
  • 1 plum tomato, , diced
  • 1 12 oz. jar Signature SELECT™ Fire Roasted Red Bell Peppers, , drained and chopped
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings and discard the rest.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
  3. Heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender -- about 5-7 minutes. Season, as desired, with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the spaghetti, asparagus, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and parsley. Crumble the bacon and add to the bowl. Toss well to combine. If desired, season with additional salt and pepper.
  5. Enjoy!

P.S. If you don’t have a Shaw’s near you, don’t worry. You can find the Signature product line at all Albertsons Companies grocery stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Star Market, United Express, United and Carrs/Safeway.

Kate

Tuesday 30th of May 2017

Bacon is the perfect additive to pasta.

Sarah Walker Caron

Monday 19th of June 2017

I 100% agree!

Skip to Recipe