Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta: 1 pound (450g)
• Spinach: 1 pound (450g)
• Bacon: 1 pound (450g)
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
5. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
6. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
7. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the spinach mixture.
8. Add the reserved cooking water and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Stir in the bacon and heat through.
10. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1/8 of the recipe):

• Calories: 500
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Creamy and velvety texture
• Perfect for a quick and easy meal
• Healthy and filling

User Comments:

• "This pasta is amazing! The combination of bacon, spinach, and penne is perfect."
• "I love the simplicity of this dish. It's easy to make but tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant."
• "The spinach adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish."
• "I added a bit of pesto to the sauce, which made it even more delicious."
• "This pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have bacon, you can substitute pancetta or diced ham.
• You can use other types of pasta if you don't have penne, such as shells, macaroni, or rigatoni.
• If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Serve the pasta immediately, as the spinach will continue to wilt over time.