Pasta with Alfredo Sauce and Vegetables

This is versatile and delicious. If it weren't for that inconvenient problem of my lactose intolerance I would have 6 bowls of this. Aren't you so glad I shared that information with you?! Really, though, this comes together so fast and tastes fantastic.  (of course I don't need to mention the shining star of this recipe, BACON)


Pasta with Alfredo Sauce and Veggies (and BACON)



Ingredients:

1 lb. pasta (angel hair, fettuccine, penne, whatever you like/have on hand)
Vegetables (This is where you can really customize. I only happened to have red pepper today so I used that. You could use zucchini, broccoli, carrots, spinach, whatever you like/have on hand!!)
6 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup heavy cream (I used half cream and the rest half and half)
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. minced garlic
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and boil pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is boiling, fry the diced bacon until crisp. Add in the veggies and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.

Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan, add the butter and cream until heated through and butter is melted. Add in the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is thoroughly melted and sauce is a smooth, creamy consistency.

Drain pasta when done and add to a large serving bowl. Pour in the bacon and broccoli and toss it in with the penne. Pour the Alfredo sauce over top of the penne and stir until well combined.

* I don't actually do this because, surprise, some of my children don't like Alfredo sauce and, don't be shocked, but some also don't like vegetables. I just leave everything separate and customize everyone's serving. The children who don't like Alfredo sauce love pasta with just butter and Parmesan cheese on it, so that works easy enough.