Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Day 1 of No Packet November and I am running a little behind schedule. After arriving back from a week in Cologne for work, I have been feeling pretty tired. Plus, I had my youngest child home sick earlier this week, and tonight was soccer training for the older two kids. It's so easy on these types of occasions to just buy take-away, but there are plenty of other cheaper and healthier options. I had bacon in the fridge, and my friend just gave me some fresh asparagus, plus I had cream that was about to expire. The perfect easy dinner combo.

Remember that although pasta does come from a packet (unless you buy it from a bulk food store or make your own), the main aim of No Packet November is to reduce the amount of processed, packaged food we eat, which includes all of the individually wrapped snacks and food items we find in most supermarkets today. It is difficult to be 100% packet free. I am certainly not, but I am doing my best to make small changes with my family each week.

Creamy Asparagus Pasta

4 rashers bacon

pasta spirals or penne (enough for 4 people)

8-10 asparagus spears, chopped into 2cm chunks

2 spring onions, chopped

1/2 cup cream

1/2 cup grated cheese (parmesan is best)

Fry off bacon in a pan until well browned. Meanwhile, boil water in a large saucepan and cook pasta according to instructions. When there are around 3 minutes to go, throw in the asparagus and allow to simmer. Drain the pasta and asparagus. Tip them back into the hot saucepan, add the cooked, chopped bacon, spring onions (you can add baby spinach too) and stir through cream and cheese. Serve with extra cheese on top and cracked black pepper. Serves 4.

Tip: add as much or as little cream as you like, and you can always cook off some mushrooms and broccoli with the bacon, or add fresh chilli for extra flavour.