Dinner is served, and it's: Spinach and Asparagus Pasta (with bacon!)

This pasta recipe is sure to satisfy most guys, because most guys I know love bacon. The good news is that while bacon does play a role in this meal, it doesn't play a big enough one to make it unhealthy. A little bacon flavor goes a long way! I got this recipe online at myrecipes.com, which is a site I usually access through CookingLight.com (my go-to for healthy cooking). It's easy and tasty. Here's what you need:

1-2 strips bacon
2 garlic cloves
1/2 medium shallot
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
fresh asparagus (approximately 8 spears)
1/2 bag fresh baby spinach
whole wheat penne pasta
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

Here's what you do:

Boil water and cook pasta according to package. Heat heavy iron saute pan and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and reserve 2 tbsp of bacon drippings. Coarsely chop bacon and set aside. Chop onion and garlic and saute on low heat in bacon drippings for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour chicken broth into pan and bring to a boil. Add asparagus (I cut them into 1 inch pieces). Let broth reduce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta and add to saute pan along with spinach. Turn off heat. Mix pasta, chicken broth sauce, and spinach together thoroughly and stir for 2 minutes, until spinach begins wilting. Divide into 2 dishes and top with fresh Parmesan and crumbled bacon. That's all there is to it!

*Note: Be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth because when the broth reduces, the salt comes out. If you don't use low-sodium broth, the dish can taste too salty.

Also, this dish can be made without bacon altogether, just use olive oil as a replacement.

Bon Appetit!