Bowtie Chicken and Asparagus Alfredo

Ok Lins, one more. My family really likes this dish. When I was making it the other night, I was thinking of you because it really is so fast to throw together. And of course, it's another one from Mel's Kitchen Cafe. I did change the ingredients a little. The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cup milk, but  I use half milk and half cream because it makes it a lot creamier and it doesn't dry out that way. Also, when I go to Costco, I'll buy a couple of their rotisserie chickens and I come home and cut them up while they are still hot and throw the chicken in the fridge, then I have cooked and cubed chicken ready to go for the week. 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken  
• 1-2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup cream 
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Zest from lemon (about a teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the noodles according to package directions. When there is two minutes left on the cooking time, add the asparagus to the pot and cook for the remaining time. Drain the pasta and asparagus and rinse quickly with cool water (to stop the asparagus from cooking more).
2. For the sauce, while the noodles/asparagus cook, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic, cooking for 20 seconds or so, stirring constantly. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring, until the mixture is toasty and sizzling. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the cheese has melted. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
3. Place the pasta, chicken and asparagus in a large bowl or serving dish and pour the sauce over the top. Toss lightly to combine. Sprinkle on the bacon and additional Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Recipe taken from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/bowtie-chicken-and-asparagus-alfredo/