Sauteed asparagus with bacon is the perfect side dish. Fresh asparagus spears are cooked in a pan until tender and slightly charred, then combined with crispy strips of bacon and a velvety cream sauce.
Spring has arrived, and with it a bounty of fresh asparagus! This bright green veggie is a seasonal star, with a crisp texture and distinct earthy flavor. While asparagus is delicious simply roasted or grilled, taking things one step further and smothering it in a rich garlic cream sauce makes it downright decadent.
Add in some crispy bacon for a salty and savory punch, and you have an irresistible side dish that transitions well to be the star of the meal. This sauteed asparagus with bacon and garlic cream sauce is elegant enough for entertaining but quick enough for a weeknight dinner. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients.
I always give instructions with step-by-step photos in my posts, just in case some readers have questions. But if you are just here for the recipe, click the JUMP TO RECIPE tab under the title, and it will take you straight there. You can also print the recipe card with full instructions, or you can click one of the SHARE BUTTONS and save it for later!
Tips for success: Fresh asparagus stalks are firm, straight, and smooth. They should be a rich green color with a small amount of white at the bottom of the spear. A dull green hue and wrinkles in the stems are an indication of old age. Here is a Guide to Buying Asparagus and Keeping it Fresh
Let's Gather Up the Ingredients
Organizing all your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.
- Asparagus spears
- Bacon- I like to use thick cut bacon for this recipe, but bacon is still bacon and all of it is good!
- Garlic- minced
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard
- Parmesan cheese- freshly grated
- Lemon zest and juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now let's get cooking
Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces. (See note below for how to prepare the asparagus)
Slice the bacon into lardons.
Cook the sliced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the bite-sized asparagus pieces to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Pour in the ½ cup heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice until melted through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the bacon to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the flavorful garlic cream sauce.
How to serve
Serve this rich and flavorful sauteed asparagus immediately while piping hot. The brightness of the asparagus is tempered by the velvety cream sauce with punches of savory garlic, mustard, and salty bacon in every bite. It makes a wonderful side for steak, chicken, or fish, but is substantial enough to be the main dish when paired with some crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, green beans or broccoli florets would be good options. Adjust the cooking time based on the chosen vegetable.
Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody base of each spear by gently bending it until it breaks naturally at the woodier end. Then slice the spears into 1-inch pieces.
Yes, this recipe is relatively low in carbs, making it a great option for low-carb or keto diets. The asparagus provides nutrients and fiber, while the heavy cream, parmesan, and bacon keep it indulgent yet low-carb.
This springtime Sauteed Asparagus with Bacon and Garlic Cream Sauce offers a delightful combination of fresh seasonal flavors and luxurious textures. With its quick preparation and elegant presentation, it's a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your weeknight repertoire.
More Side dishes to enjoy
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As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
Springtime Sauteed Asparagus with Bacon and Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus woody stems removed and spears cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer being sure to scrap up all of the bacon drippings from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove cream sauce from heat and stir in the parmesan until melted through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the bacon bits to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the luxurious garlic cream sauce.
Holly Coppedge says
This is a delicious side perfect for spring!
Tayler says
I made this asparagus with dinner last night and it was wonderful! Definitely a new go-to side dish for me!
Gianne says
The asparagus is cooked perfectly and the bacon adds a great crunch. The garlic cream sauce ties everything together beautifully. A must-try springtime dish!
Paula says
I've been craving asparagus, and it was finally on sale this week! I went immediately to try this recipe. So good. I'd never done asparagus with bacon before, but it's definitely a new favorite.
Tiffany says
This side is easy and impressive at gatherings! It's a hit too! A delicious new way for me to make asparagus. Thank you!
Kathryn says
This is such a great way to enjoy asparagus! It's easy to make and perfect with most dinners. Making this again over the weekend 🙂