Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon recipe—a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the flavors of garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for just the right amount of heat. Crisp bacon pieces and wilted baby spinach bring a delightful balance of smoky and fresh flavors to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread. Perfect for those searching for quick, satisfying, and flavorful pasta recipes, this dish will leave your taste buds craving more!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 quarts water
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, discard most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and warm over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream gently heat up and slightly thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down.
Add the cooked penne pasta and chopped bacon to the skillet with the cream sauce and spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2758 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 142.6 g | 183% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.0 g | 365% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 373 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 3741 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 258.4 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 97.1 g | 194% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1329 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 17.8 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 975 mg | 21% | |
*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.
