20-Minute Bacon and Spinach Pasta (Quick and Creamy)
This easy 20-minute bacon and spinach pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner: creamy, savory, and made with simple pantry staples. With crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it comes together quickly in one pan.It's a family-friendly comfort meal that feels gourmet, without the time investment. Great for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing guests on short notice.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta such as penne, linguine, or fettucine
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional:
- red pepper flakes, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cook the Bacon
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
Build the Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of pasta water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon back to the pan.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and more pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.