Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? This bacon and spinach pasta with Parmesan is perfect for you! You can whip up this delicious dish in just 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something yummy but don’t have lots of time.
The recipe uses simple ingredients you might already have at home. Crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese give this pasta tons of flavor. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty bacon and spinach pasta:
- 6 oz bacon
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 lb pasta (your choice)
- 1/4 lb fresh spinach (about 4 cups)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
The recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking.
To save money, look for sales on bacon and pasta. Frozen spinach can work too if fresh is pricey. Don’t skip the Parmesan – it adds great flavor!
Remember to have some salt and pepper on hand to season your dish. A large skillet with a lid is also key for this one-pot meal.
Instructions
Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces.
Cook it in a big pan until crispy.
Take the bacon out and save it. Keep 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Chop an onion while the bacon cooks. Add it to the pan and cook until soft.
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan.
Add pasta to the pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Turn heat low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir now and then.
When pasta is soft, add spinach and stir until wilted. Turn off heat.
Put bacon back in. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Your tasty bacon spinach pasta is ready to eat! Enjoy the mix of crispy bacon, soft pasta, and fresh spinach. The cheese adds a nice flavor too.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily switch up this tasty pasta dish with a few simple swaps. Try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option. Don’t have spinach? Kale or arugula work great too!
For the pasta, feel free to use any shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can be yummy choices. If you’re gluten-free, grab your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Veggie lovers can add more greens. Toss in some peas or chopped broccoli for extra color and crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes can add a nice tangy flavor too.
Want to make it creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Here’s a quick list of easy swaps:
- Bacon → Turkey bacon or pancetta
- Spinach → Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard
- Parmesan → Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
- Chicken broth → Vegetable broth
Feel free to play around and make this dish your own. It’s hard to go wrong with bacon and pasta!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use a large skillet with high sides for this recipe. It will make stirring and cooking easier.
Save some bacon fat for cooking other dishes. It adds great flavor to many recipes.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They hold the sauce well and are fun to eat.
Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
Make the dish creamier by stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freeze portions for quick meals later. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For meal prep, cook the bacon and onions ahead of time. Store them separately until you’re ready to make the pasta.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.