Penne pasta with spinach and bacon is a classic combination of flavors that is sure to please your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. The creamy sauce, savory bacon, and tender spinach combine to create a pasta dish that is both comforting and satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make penne pasta with spinach and bacon step by step, so you can enjoy this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook the Penne:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Saute the Garlic and Spinach:
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is wilted.
- Add the Cream and Cheese:
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Serving the Dish:
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the penne pasta with spinach and bacon hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
Penne pasta is a tube-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto creamy sauces. Its shape makes it ideal for this dish, as the sauce clings to the pasta, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Bacon:
Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Cooking the bacon first and then using the drippings to sauté the garlic and spinach infuses the entire dish with bacon flavor.
Spinach:
Fresh spinach adds color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. It wilts down when cooked, adding a pop of green to the pasta.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese:
The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese combine to create a creamy, decadent sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the bacon and spinach perfectly.
This penne pasta with spinach and bacon is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!
