adapted from: Just Get Off Your Butt and Bake
1 c. cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie)
3/4 c. ham, diced
1 Tbl. brown sugar
1/2 Lb. bacon
3/4 bunch of asparagus
olive oil
salt and pepper
1 roma tomato, diced
spaghetti noodles
Sauce:
2 Tbl. unsalted butter
3-4 Tbl. flour
1 garlic clove, minced
1 c. milk
1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1 c. half-and-half (I used fat-free)
1/4 tsp. onion powder, or to taste
1/4 tsp. garlic powder, or to taste
1 tsp. white sugar
black pepper
1 1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
Trim about an inch off the bottom of each asparagus spear and discard. Toss asparagus with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread out onto a baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. When done, allow to cool for a few minutes, then chop into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy and remove to a paper towel lined plate; set aside. Discard all but a teaspoon of the bacon grease. Add the diced ham and 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir together and cook until the ham is golden and sugar is absorbed, about 1-2 minutes. Remove to a bowl; set aside.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
For the Sauce: To the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour, one Tablespoon at a time, until a paste forms. Allow to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in the milk, then the broth and last the half-and-half. Whisk until smooth. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, sugar and black pepper. Continue cooking until thickened. Whisk in the Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Add the cooked shredded chicken, the fried ham and the chopped asparagus to the sauce and heat on low until everything is heated through.
Serve sauce over noodles and top with diced tomato and cooked and crumbled bacon.
Jenn's Notes: I thought this was delicious, but I felt like the chicken could be omitted.