Creamy Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

Looking for a satisfying and easy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon is the perfect answer. It combines the salty goodness of bacon, the freshness of spinach, and the comforting texture of penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Penne Pasta Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of bacon, spinach, and cream is irresistible.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
• Comfort Food: A warm and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound. Penne is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce beautifully. Other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work well.
• Bacon: 6-8 slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Use your favorite kind of bacon – thick-cut, maple-smoked, or even turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Spinach: 10 ounces, fresh or frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water. Fresh spinach should be washed thoroughly. Baby spinach is a great choice as it’s tender and doesn’t require chopping.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream creates a rich and decadent sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can be used, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the bacon and garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Optional Ingredients: Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat), nutmeg (a pinch for warmth), lemon juice (a squeeze for brightness), mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, chicken, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water – this starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it thicken and cling to the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. The rendered bacon fat will add a lot of flavor to the dish, so don’t drain it off (unless you’re trying to reduce the fat content – in that case, drain off some, but leave a tablespoon or two).

Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. This will help keep the bacon crispy.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

Leave the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir constantly while the garlic is cooking.

Add the spinach to the skillet. If using fresh spinach, you may need to add it in batches as it wilts down. Cook until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Cook until heated through.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to boil the cream, as it may curdle.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan cheese are both salty, so you may not need to add much salt.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and that the bacon is evenly distributed.

If the pasta seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired). A side salad or some garlic bread would be a great addition to this meal.

Tips and Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli would all be delicious additions to this dish. Sauté them along with the garlic and spinach.
• Change the Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Fontina.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would all be great additions to this pasta dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use any short pasta shape, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
• Salt the Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious cream sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will add a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair well with this pasta dish. A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, would also be a good choice.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to heat thoroughly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a recipe serving 4 people):

• Calories: 650-750
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Enjoy!

This creamy penne pasta with spinach and bacon is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a comforting and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful pasta dish!