Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes? Look no further than our Tomato Spinach Bacon Pasta! This delightful Italian-inspired recipe combines the richness of crispy bacon with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this dish promises to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste. Dive into the recipe below and discover how simple ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 4 strips of chopped bacon, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are soft, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach is wilted.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach mixture.
- Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Serve the Tomato Spinach Bacon Pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes like penne or fusilli that can hold onto the sauce and ingredients better.
- Cook Bacon to Perfection: For the crispiest bacon, make sure to cook it over medium heat and give it enough time to render its fat fully. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dish.
- Don't Skip the Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to your pasta beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. The freshness will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Parmesan adds a classic touch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pecorino or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
- Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after mixing everything together for the ultimate taste experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
