Pasta With Lemon, Asparagus and Cheese

Recipe source: Prevention (April 2009)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  slices  thick bacon, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, sliced
• 1  lemon, juice and grated zest
• 2  tablespoons fresh thyme or 2  teaspoons dried thyme
• 3⁄4 lb penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 12  ounces asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1⁄2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2  ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

1. In a small skillet over medium low heat cook bacon and garlic and cook until garlic is golden and bacon is done. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, zest and thyme. Set aside.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, but 4-5 minutes before pasta is done add asparagus. Remove 3/4 cup of water from pasta cooking liquid and add to bacon/garlic mixture. Drain pasta and then pour back into cooking pot.
3. Stir in bacon mixture to pasta along with the cheeses. Toss.