Some dinners just hit the sweet spot, quick, comforting, and a little sneaky in the veggie department. This creamy spinach and bacon pasta is one of them. The sauce hugs every strand of spaghetti, the bacon brings that smoky crunch, and the spinach? Well, it slides in under the radar.
Want to know a secret? One of my sons swears he doesn't eat spinach. But if I tuck it in with pasta and bacon, suddenly the bowl is scraped clean. Moms everywhere, you know the trick: hide the greens under a blanket of carbs and cheese. Works every time.
It's a one-pan wonder that makes weeknights easier and tastes like it took more effort than it really did. Pair it with a fresh salad like my Simple Spinach Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing.
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The ingredients
Olive oil - keeps the onions and bacon sizzling.
Red onion - sweet and colorful.
Cooked bacon - salty, crispy, and irresistible.
Garlic - a must for flavor depth.
Chicken broth and cream - the duo that creates a light but silky sauce.
Baby spinach - chopped small so it melts right into the pasta.
Parmesan - fresh, grated, and oh-so melty.
Spaghetti - or your favorite pasta shape.
Fresh parsley - adds freshness at the end.
Salt and pepper - adjust to taste.
For the ingredients quantities go to the recipe card below
Steps-by-step Instructions for the Spinach and Bacon Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add diced onion and sautรฉ until soft.
Add bacon and garlic, stir until fragrant.
Pour in broth and cream. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Stir in spinach and let it wilt.
Toss pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish with Parmesan and parsley. Taste, season, serve.
Tips for Success
- Undercook pasta slightly, it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Save pasta water! A splash can turn a too-thick sauce silky again.
- Chop spinach small for picky eaters. Mine can't tell it's there.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan; it melts and blends better than pre-grated.
Variations
- Swap bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Use kale or arugula instead of spinach.
- Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes for a fresh pop.
Serving Ideas
This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully. For cozy vibes, add a roasted veggie side.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk. Not freezer-friendly, the cream sauce tends to separate.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Cook the sauce earlier in the day and boil pasta fresh. Toss together before serving.
Can I make it lighter?
Swap half the cream for milk or use light cream.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just adjust cooking time since GF pasta softens faster.
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Spinach and bacon pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ยฝ cup cream
- ยฝ cup chicken broth
- 1 ยฝ cups baby spinach chopped
- ยฝ cup Parmesan grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ยฝ cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil. Add onion and sautรฉ until softened.
- Stir in bacon and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cream and broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in spinach, letting it wilt.
- Add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Loosen sauce with pasta water if needed.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Taste, season, serve warm.
Notes
- Thick-cut bacon adds extra crunch.
- Chop spinach finely for picky eaters (my son swears he doesn't eat spinach-except like this!).
- Keep leftover pasta water handy to adjust sauce texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan-it makes the sauce creamy instead of clumpy.
Sophie Viau says
This pasta is always a hit in my house! The sauce is so creamy and silky, and the smoky bacon makes it feel extra cozy. I love that the spinach just melts right into the dishโsuch an easy way to sneak in some greens.