Lemon-Parmesan Cream Pasta with Asparagus, Zucchini, Squash, and Chicken

This pasta is seriously gooooood.  The hint of lemon and abundance of fresh vegetables balance out the richness of the Parmesan-cream sauce.  Hints of bacon, garlic, basil, and parsley add immense flavor to the dish.  (For a healthier approach, you could always use 1/2 & 1/2 instead of heavy cream and fat-free or turkey bacon instead of the real thing...but I can't guarantee that it will taste quite as good)!  :)

Serving Size:  6 people

Prep Time:  10 Minutes

Cook Time:  15 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. Uncooked Mini Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta

2 Small Zucchini, thinly sliced 

1 Yellow Zucchini Squash, sliced lengthwise into thin strips

1 Bunch Asparagus, cut into bite-size pieces (about 2 cups)

4 Strips Bacon

1 1/2 cups COOKED boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced 

1 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic

1 Lemon, juice only

1/4 cups White Wine

1 cup Italian Parsley, chopped

1 Tbsp fresh or dry Basil

Salt & Pepper

1 pint Heavy Cream

1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1.  Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot.  While pasta is cooking, brown bacon over med-high heat in large saucepan (until crispy).

2.  Remove bacon from pan, but do not drain remaining juice.  With the flame at medium heat, add chicken, zucchini, squash, and asparagus.  Cook for approximately 3 minutes.

3.  Add garlic and return crumbled bacon to pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

4.  Add lemon juice and white wine to pan, cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.  During last minute of cook time, add parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.

5.  Bring saucepan down to low and add cream, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.  Slowly increase heat, until cream begins to gently boil around the edges of the pan (about 1-2 min).

6.  Add Parmesan cheese to cream, a little bit at a time, stirring frequently as sauce begins to thicken.

7.  Add pasta to vegetable-cream mixture and toss to coat.  Season with salt & pepper (to taste).

8.  Enjoy!