Spinach and Bacon Pasta Toss
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this irresistible Spinach and Bacon Pasta Toss—a quick and easy weeknight dinner bursting with bold flavors! Featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused sauce, this dish gets its savory richness from crispy bacon and a touch of olive oil. Fresh baby spinach brings a vibrant, nutrient-packed balance, while grated parmesan cheese adds a creamy, cheesy finish. A sprinkle of optional red pepper flakes delivers a subtle kick, making this pasta dish truly unforgettable. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy nights, this recipe shines as a family favorite or a crowd-pleasing dinner party centerpiece.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
- 6 slices Bacon
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 cups Baby spinach, fresh
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup Pasta water, reserved
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet. If necessary, add olive oil to make up the difference. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to combine.
Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce. Use as much as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1397 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.7 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 128 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 3507 mg | 152% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.1 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 74.3 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1111 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1439 mg | 31% | |
*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.
