Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary pasta into a culinary masterpiece - where crispy bacon dances with tender asparagus, vibrant spinach adds a fresh punch, and perfectly cooked penne becomes the canvas for an unforgettable meal. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a dinner; it's a gastronomic adventure that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy professional, a cooking enthusiast, or someone craving a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g penne pasta
- 150g asparagus, cut into pieces
- 100g bacon, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 300g of penne pasta, 150g of asparagus cut into pieces, 100g of chopped bacon, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Add the garlic powder to the asparagus and stir well. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the asparagus and spinach. Toss everything together to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper if desired. Enjoy your Penne with Asparagus, Bacon, and Spinach!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Cook bacon until it's truly crispy for maximum flavor and texture contrast.
- Don't overcook the asparagus - it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- Add spinach last to prevent wilting and preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Toss ingredients gently to prevent breaking the pasta or bruising the spinach.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 471kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 28mg
