Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 6 oz. bacon
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 lb. pasta
- 1/4 lb. fresh spinach
about 4 cups
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
- 1
Cut the bacon across the strips into one-inch pieces. Sauté the bacon in a large skillet until it is brown and crispy (no extra fat needed). Remove the browned bacon to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Carefully pour the fat off into a separate bowl, leaving about one tablespoon in the skillet.
- 2
While the bacon cooks, dice the onion. Once the bacon is removed and the fat is drained from the skillet, add the diced onions and sauté until they are soft and transparent. Allow the moisture from the onions to dissolve some of the browned bits off of the bottom of the skillet.
- 3
Add two cups of chicken broth to the skillet and dissolve off any remaining browned bits of bacon drippings from the bottom of the skillet.
- 4
Finally, add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, place a lid on top, and let the skillet come to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, give it a quick stir, turn the heat down to low, and let simmer for 10 minutes with the lid in place. Give the skillet a stir to loosen the pasta from the bottom every few minutes or so, replacing the lid quickly each time. After 10 minutes the pasta should be tender and most of the broth absorbed. There should be a little bit of thick, saucy broth remaining in the bottom of the skillet.
- 5
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it has wilted into the pasta. Turn off the heat, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet, sprinkle the Parmesan over top, stir to combine, and then serve.
Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 166 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a truly satisfying, yet incredibly quick dinner that comes together with minimal fuss? This Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan is your new weeknight hero, promising a flavorful meal from just a handful of ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this pasta lies in its simplicity and the synergy of its core components. Savory bacon crisps up, laying the foundation for a rich, aromatic broth created simply by combining it with chicken broth. This ingenious method ensures every strand of pasta is coated in a deeply flavorful sauce, making it feel far more complex than its easy preparation suggests.
You can expect a comforting bowl where the salty, smoky notes of crispy bacon dance with the earthy, vibrant freshness of spinach. The pasta, perfectly al dente, is enveloped in a light yet luxurious sauce, thanks to the grated Parmesan cheese melting into the chicken broth. It’s a dish that delivers substantial flavor and satisfying textures, making it a reliable choice for any busy evening.
Customization & Variations
While the classic combination is hard to beat, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a different protein, cooked chicken pieces or crumbled Italian sausage would be delicious additions. To lean into a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can provide a savory depth in place of bacon. You could also experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture.
Serve this simple, yet elegant pasta as a stand-alone dinner, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something truly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.