Irresistibly Delicious: Your Guide to the Perfect Spinach Bacon Pasta Recipe

Prepare to delight your senses with a dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the fresh earthiness of spinach, and the comforting embrace of pasta. This Spinach Bacon Pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every forkful. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious and incredibly satisfying, making it an instant family favorite.

The Magic of Wilted Spinach Bacon Pasta

There’s something inherently appealing about the combination of bacon and pasta. Add in vibrant green spinach, and you’ve got a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. This recipe shines for its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual potluck, or a cozy evening in. The secret lies in using the residual heat of the pasta and the savory bacon drippings to gently wilt the spinach, infusing every strand of pasta with incredible taste.

Essential Ingredients for Your Culinary Masterpiece

Crafting this flavorful pasta dish starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the overall taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Pasta: We recommend Cavatappi Pasta (16 ounces) for its beautiful corkscrew shape that perfectly captures the sauce and bacon bits. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is to choose a shape that holds the flavors well.
• Bacon: 8 ounces of thick-cut bacon will provide the ideal balance of crispy texture and smoky flavor, along with the rendered fat essential for the sauce.
• Fresh Spinach Leaves: 3 cups (packed) of fresh spinach will wilt down beautifully, adding a vibrant color and a boost of nutrients. Fresh is always best for this recipe to achieve that perfect wilted texture.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of good quality olive oil enhance the richness of the dish and help emulsify the dressing.
• White Balsamic Vinegar: 3 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar offers a milder, sweeter acidity compared to its dark counterpart, brightening the flavors without coloring the dish.
• Fresh Garlic: 1 clove, minced, provides a pungent aromatic base that complements the bacon and spinach perfectly.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste, to season the dish.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, adds a subtle kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving adds a salty, umami finish that truly elevates the dish.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Pasta Dish

Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to a few clever tips. Keep these in mind to ensure your Spinach Bacon Pasta turns out incredible every time:

• Perfectly Wilted Spinach: The heat from the freshly cooked pasta is usually enough to wilt the spinach. However, if your pasta has cooled too much, simply add the spinach to the pan where you cooked the bacon and onions. Cook for just 20-30 seconds, or until it reaches your desired tenderness. It will start to wilt almost immediately. Avoid overcooking to maintain its vibrant color and tender texture.
• Serving Chilled Pasta: If you plan to serve this dish as a cold pasta salad, remember that pasta tends to absorb liquids as it chills. Before serving, give it a taste and add a little more white balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil if it seems dry or needs a flavor boost. This will re-moisten the pasta and ensure the dressing’s vibrant taste is preserved.
• Don’t Waste Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat is a flavor powerhouse. It’s crucial for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding an incredible depth to the dish. Don’t discard it all!
• Prevent Bitter Garlic: When cooking garlic, keep the heat low and cook it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Do not let it brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter and ruin the flavor profile.
• Seasoning as You Go: Taste the dish at different stages and adjust the salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar as needed. Personalizing the seasoning makes all the difference.

Wilted Spinach Bacon Pasta Recipe

Wilted Spinach Bacon Pasta Recipe

This delicious and easy-to-make Wilted Spinach Bacon Pasta Recipe is perfect for family dinner, potlucks, or any day of the week. With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1 vote, it’s a proven crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 | Calories: 529 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 16 Ounce Cavatappi Pasta (or any shape)
• 8 ounces Bacon
• 3 Cups fresh spinach leaves (packed)
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and cover with a lid to keep it hot.
2. While the pasta cooks, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until it’s beautifully brown and crispy.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Set aside.
4. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease from the skillet. If you don’t have enough, add a little olive oil to make up the difference. Add the minced onion (if using) and cook over medium-low heat until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
6. Transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh spinach leaves, followed by the hot sautéed onions and garlic, along with any remaining bacon drippings in the pan. The heat from the pasta and aromatics will help the spinach wilt.
7. Toss the pasta, spinach, onions, and garlic until the spinach is fully wilted. Then, drizzle in the olive oil and white balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more balsamic vinegar for a brighter flavor or more salt and pepper to your preference.
9. Serve warm or cold, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• If your pasta has cooled down too much before adding the spinach, it may not be hot enough to wilt it properly. In this case, add the spinach directly to the pan where you cooked the onions and bacon, and cook for 20-30 seconds until it begins to wilt.
• When serving chilled, pasta tends to soak up the dressing. Be sure to taste and add more balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil if it needs additional moisture or flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Wilted Spinach Bacon Pasta Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 529 | Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g (35%)

• Saturated Fat 6g (38%)

Cholesterol 24mg (8%)

Sodium 365mg (16%)

Potassium 346mg (10%)

Carbohydrates 62g (21%)

• Fiber 2g (8%)
• Sugar 3g (3%)

Protein 15g (30%)

Vitamin A 1420IU (28%)

Vitamin C 4.4mg (5%)

Calcium 36mg (4%)

Iron 1.7mg (9%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Variations to Customize Your Spinach Bacon Pasta

This Spinach Bacon Pasta recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Add More Vegetables: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers with the onions for added flavor and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes can also offer a concentrated burst of flavor.
• Boost the Protein: For an even heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply stir them in along with the spinach and hot pasta.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can add another layer of aroma and flavor. Chop them finely and toss them in at the end.
• Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella can introduce new textures and tastes.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat if you enjoy a little spice.
• Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, you could stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end until melted and combined.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Spinach Bacon Pasta is quite satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few complementary dishes:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli roasted with a little olive oil and garlic would make an excellent side.
• White Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would complement the flavors of this dish wonderfully.

More Delicious Bacon Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of bacon (and who isn’t?), you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that feature this beloved ingredient:

• Orzo Pasta Salad
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
• Bacon Corn Chowder
• Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
• Bacon Pot Pie

Indeed, it feels like we could dedicate an entire post just to the wonders of bacon recipes! If you’re passionate about cooking, be sure to check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers of this Spinach Bacon Pasta are just as delightful as the freshly made dish. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Remember to adjust seasoning if serving chilled, as mentioned in our tips!

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Recipe originally shared on May 15, 2015. Updated January 2021.