Craving a dish that combines the irresistible crunch of bacon, the freshness of ripe tomatoes, and the wholesome goodness of whole wheat pasta? Look no further! This Parmesan BLT Whole Wheat Pasta is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that's both quick and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add whole wheat pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the cooled bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return pasta to the pot and add halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and fresh spinach. Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook whole wheat pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture. Start checking 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest.
- Bacon Brilliance: For extra crispy bacon, use a wire rack over your baking sheet when cooking in the oven, or pat dry thoroughly if pan-frying.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor – pre-grated cheese often lacks the same depth of taste.
- Spinach Hack: Add spinach at the very end to preserve its bright green color and prevent wilting.
- Sauce Salvation: The reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap spinach for arugula or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
