Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta
A cheesy, bacon-laced pasta dish with wilted spinach, baked to golden perfection for a creamy, indulgent meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs penne pasta, diced bacon, fresh packed spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz diced bacon
- 4 cups fresh packed spinach
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 12 oz penne pasta, 8 oz diced bacon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Step 2: Spread the mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup grated parmesan, and 1 cup whole milk. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup water. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup parmesan on top.
- Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the pasta is tender. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with additional parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Bacon & Spinach Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
