Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes? Dive into the irresistible world of Bacon Mushroom Spinach Pasta, where crispy bacon meets earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds! Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend gourmet, this pasta dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crisp and golden, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the crispy bacon. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently mix to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like fettuccine or penne that can hold onto the sauce better.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that pasta cooking water! It’s a key ingredient for creating a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Perfectly Cooked Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, ensure your skillet is preheated and avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the bacon to render its fat evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value. It should just wilt and retain some texture.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. If you have leftovers, reheat gently to avoid overcooking the spinach.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes can take this dish from good to unforgettable!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
