B.L.A.S.T. (Bacon Linguini Asparagus Spinach Tomato) Pasta

I went to the store with the idea that I was going to attempt to make carbonara for dinner, but ended up making this. I can’t help adding veggies to my pasta!

4 thick slices of bacon, diced
½ package of linguini
About 10 stalks of asparagus, cut into 1” pieces
2 handfuls of raw baby spinach
1 small tomato, chopped
1 packet of dried Alfredo sauce

1-2 Tbsp pesto

In a frying pan over high heat, cook bacon until crispy. To avoid burning bacon, turn heat to medium and stir frequently. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from pan and to a paper towel on a plate, to absorb excess grease.

In a small bowl, add asparagus and ½” water. Cover with saran wrap and microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds to steam. Remove cover, drain and set aside.

Boil and cook pasta according to directions.

Make Alfredo sauce according to directions; whisk in pesto sauce.

Drain pasta and return to pot. Toss with Alfredo pesto sauce. Mix in raw spinach until it welts. Stir in bacon and asparagus and top with diced tomato.

Plate pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper.