Penne and Asparagus Pasta Salad

, | Malinda Linnebur | July 30, 2016 | 347 Comments

This Penne and Asparagus Pasta Salad is fresh, full of flavor and easy to make.  It features crisp asparagus, tender penne pasta, smokey bacon and a handful of other ingredients.  It makes a large batch so it will be perfect for you to take to your summer gatherings.Penne Asparagus Pasta Salad | CGH LifestyleYou will start by cooking you pasta and while that is boiling fry your bacon until it is crisp and drain on paper towels.  When the pasta is almost finished you will add in the asparagus.  This will cook it just slightly and it will still be crispy.  When it is done you will need to rinse the pasta and asparagus in cold water to stop the cooking process.Penne Asparagus Pasta Salad | CGH LifestyleToss this with the other ingredients and store in the refrigerator for a few hours to soak up the wonderful goodness.  Just before serving stir in the basil.  Enjoy!Pasta Salad | CGH Lifestyle

Penne and Asparagus Pasta Salad

Prep time:  20 min + refrigerating time

Servings: 10+

Ingredients:

1 pound penne pasta

1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into bite sized pieces

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

6-8 slices bacon

6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

1 cup bottled Italian dressing

¼ cup chopped basil

Directions:

In a large pot bring water to boil.  Add in the pasta and cook according to directions on the box.  In the last 3 minutes of cook time add in the asparagus.  Drain immediately and rinse in cold water until pasta is cooled.

While pasta is cooking fry bacon until crispy.  Drain on paper towel.

Combine the pasta, bacon, bell pepper, cheeses and dressing in a large bowl.  Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.  Just before serving stir in the basil.This Penne and Asparagus Pasta Salad is fresh, full of flavor and easy to make!

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Comments

  17. I love pasta. A couple days ago my mom made pasta with shrimp and she used Alfredo sauce. She also put some onions for taste. Totally gonna try this out this out

    Reply

  72. This recipe looks so fun and easy, not to mention healthy! Making me hungry haha- would love to try this recipe sometime!

    Reply

  276. Pasta is probably one of my favorite meals to prepare and it’s the simple recepies like these that are so good

    Reply

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