Spinach Bacon Pasta

by Alexis

Well, the spinach in my garden is growing great!  I've had my fill of quiche for a bit, so I was looking for another recipe.  Here is a good one that I morphed for us!  Ryan really loved it, and it is super quick (and uses staple items).  You can prep all the items at about the same time (boil the pasta while cooking the bacon), so it is nice and easy.  This does make lots, but we happily ate it as leftovers, either microwaved or made crunchy by frying in a little butter.

Ingredients
14-16 oz package of pasta (penne, rotini, etc.), cooked al dente
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 large handfuls of fresh spinach (about 5 ounces)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced (or grated on a microplane)
Parmesan cheese to top (about 1/2 cup)

  1. In a large sauce pan, toss all ingredients (except garlic and cheese) and cook on medium high.
  2. When spinach begins to wilt, add garlic.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Top with cheese and serve.