Spinach Bacon and Pine Nut Pasta
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Spinach Bacon and Pine Nut Pasta, a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. This dish combines al dente pasta with crispy, golden bacon, nutty toasted pine nuts, and tender wilted spinach, all brought together in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce for maximum flavor. Finished with the creaminess of grated Parmesan and a hint of spice from optional red chili flakes, every bite is a delightful balance of savory and fresh. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty pasta recipe is not only packed with protein and healthy greens but also offers countless variations with your choice of pasta types. Serve it warm with an extra garnish of cheese or drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-quality meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for searches like "easy pasta recipes," "bacon spinach pasta," or "pine nut pasta dinner ideas."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
- 150 grams Bacon, diced
- 150 grams Fresh spinach
- 50 grams Pine nuts
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Discard most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving behind about 1 tablespoon. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until wilted.
Return the cooked bacon and toasted pine nuts to the skillet. Mix everything together and season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together one final time.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2284 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.0 g | 185% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.4 g | 192% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 215 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 5906 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 141.2 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 109.8 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 766 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1377 mg | 29% | |
*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.
