Orecchiette with Spinach Garlic and Bacon
Experience a symphony of flavors with this Orecchiette with Spinach, Garlic, and Bacon recipe—a quick yet satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender orecchiette pasta serves as the perfect base, soaking up the savory richness of crispy bacon and fragrant garlic sautéed in olive oil. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives just the right kick of heat. Finished off with a generous handful of parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish, this 30-minute masterpiece balances simplicity with indulgence. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to comfort food with a gourmet edge, this pasta dish is sure to deliver.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Heat over medium-low heat, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring often, until it wilts completely, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
Serve the orecchiette warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.2 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 760 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.6 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 19.7 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 181 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
