An easy Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta recipe made with fresh vegetables, crispy maple bacon, then topped with freshly shredded cheese. Make this quick easy pasta dish for weeknight dinners or family pasta night.
Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta
Give thanks to the season with a delicious meal that makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen. One of my family’s favorite recipes I bring to the table is my famous Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta.
As a mom of four, I feel like the holidays seem to fly by and we are always on the go during this time of the year. With the many different foods that will be made throughout the holiday season, I like to try to find dishes that are quick and easy.
Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta
My kids love cheesy pasta dishes so throughout the holiday season I like to try and mix them up and add different flavor combinations. Since it is finally that beautiful Fall Season, the maple flavor bacon really adds that sweet note to the dish that makes it sing. If you are not a fan of maple bacon you can substitute this ingredient with regular bacon.
This dish is easily one of my favorite family dinners to make during those wonderful Holiday Dinners. It’s my go-to dish for something simple and quick. I found my ingredients including the Barilla Penne Pasta, Marinara Sauce, and Galbani Cheese at my local grocery store.
What Type of Cheese Should I Use?
I really like to use Galbani Cheese as my go-to cheesy ingredient for this recipe because Galbani Cheeses have no additives like cellulose, potato starch, or other anti-clumping agents. It’s a no-brainer that I would choose them as my go-to Penne Pasta. Any Mozzarella cheese will do, in fact, feel free to add in different types of cheese to mix things up!
This dish is packed with tons of flavor, including fresh cherry tomatoes. I like to top mine with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Storing The Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta
Store this pasta dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating in the microwave add extra cheese to help bring out the moisture and cheesy aspect of this dish. I personally like to add extra spinach and cheese
Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta Ingredients
- Penne Pasta
- Marinara Sauce
- Evaporated Milk or whole milk
- Ricotta Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Maple Bacon Bits
- Fresh Spinach
- Garlic
- Garlic Powder, Fresh Parsley
- Cherry Tomatoes
This quick and easy pasta recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Made with fresh cheese and veggies, this pasta dish is topped with crispy maple bacon and freshly shredded cheese.
How to make cheesy spinach penne pasta
Bring a large pot to boil and season it liberally with sea salt. Add the pasta and cook the Barilla Penne Pasta as directed until it is el dente, drain and set aside until the sauce is finished.
Now we will move on to preparing the maple bacon bits. In a large cast-iron pan or nonstick skillet cook the diced maple bacon bits and set aside. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes, but please keep a watchful eye on the bacon so it does not burn.
Make the Cheesy Pasta Sauce
Using the leftover grease from the maple bacon pour in the evaporated milk and whole cloves of garlic and bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
Once the sauce begins to thicken up (about 3-4 minutes) add the Galbani Ricotta Cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened.
How to make Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta
To finish off the cheesy pasta sauce we will now add the garlic powder and Barilla Marinara Sauce until well combined. Add the Spinach and then slowly add in the Barilla Pene Pasta.
Stir until pasta is well mixed and then set in a serving dish and sprinkle generously on the Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, bacon bits, fresh parsley, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir until combined to your liking and serve alongside your favorite main dish. Sprinkle with extra Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese and enjoy it!
Easy Dinner Ideas
Need some more dinner inspiration? I have you covered! Try some of my easy weeknight dinner recipes on my blog, like my easy Sticky Mongolian Meatballs which go great with freshly steamed jasmine rice. Or my One-Pot Broccoli Gnocchi that you can’t go wrong with.
Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta
Treat your family this holiday season with a deliciously easy to make Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta. Perfect for any dinner time during the year.
Ingredients
- 1 Box of Barilla Penne Pasta
- 1 Cup of Barilla Marinara Sauce
- 1 1/2 Cups of Evaporated Milk
- 3 Tablespoons of Galbani Ricotta Cheese
- Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese
- 1-2 Cups of Maple Bacon Bits
- 3 Cups of Fresh Spinach
- 2 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder
- Fresh Parsley
- 1 Cup of Halved Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large pot boil and cook the Barilla Penne Pasta as directed until it is el dente, drain and set aside until the sauce is finished.
- In a large cast-iron pan or nonstick skillet cook the diced maple bacon bits and set aside. (should take about 5-7 minutes)
- Using the leftover grease from the maple bacon pour in the evaporated milk and whole cloves of garlic and bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
- Once the sauce begins to thicken up (about 3-4 minutes) add the Galbani Ricotta Cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the garlic powder and Barilla Marinara Sauce until well combined. Add the Spinach and slowly add the Barilla Pene Pasta.
- Stir until pasta is well mixed and then set in a serving dish and sprinkle generously on the Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, bacon bits, fresh parsley, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Stir until combined to your liking and serve alongside your favorite main dish.
- Sprinkle with extra Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese and enjoy it!
Notes
For a more CHEESY effect add more milk and cheese to the sauce when cooking. Take it slow and build up the sauce to your preference. OR Add extra cheese on top for a taste of fresh mozzarella/
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