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Easy Bacon and Spinach Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Bacon & Spinach Pasta Delight! This rich and creamy dish combines crispy thick-cut bacon, fresh spinach, and a velvety sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes. With options to customize and add your favorite ingredients, this pasta dish offers delicious flavors and a nutritional boost. Gather your ingredients and bring everyone together around the table for a delightful dining experience.
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Juice of half a lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add olive oil (if needed). Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

        Create the Sauce: Lower the heat, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well with the spinach and garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and toss to combine. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

          Finish and Serve: Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.

            Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4