Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce
This luscious creamy sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite pasta dishes, combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Kim127, this sauce is both decadent and comforting, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts adds a unique texture that balances the creaminess, while a hint of white wine elevates the overall flavor profile. Indulge in this mouthwatering sauce that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Bacon
400 g (diced)
White Wine
1/2 cup (dry white wine)
Cream
1 cup (light cream)
Frozen Spinach
300 g (thawed)
Cracked Black Pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1/2 cup (drained and chopped)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Pine Nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a large frypan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add the diced bacon to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy, about 6-7 minutes.
3
Pour in the white wine, bringing it to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
4
Stir in the light cream, thawed spinach, and cracked black pepper. Cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6
Serve the sauce hot over your choice of cooked pasta, and garnish with toasted pine nuts and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce.
How many servings does this pasta sauce recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of wine is recommended for this sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended.
Can I substitute the light cream with something else?
You can use heavy cream for a richer texture or a milk and cornstarch mixture for a lighter version, though the flavor will vary.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 400 grams of diced bacon.
What kind of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 300 grams of frozen spinach, thawed.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
The sun-dried tomatoes should be drained and chopped before being folded into the sauce.
What is the purpose of the pine nuts?
Toasted pine nuts are used as a garnish to add a unique texture and crunch that balances the creaminess.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon for about 6-7 minutes until it is crispy.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The grated parmesan cheese is added at the end, folded in until melted and the sauce is creamy.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat oil in a large frypan and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Should the white wine be boiled?
Yes, bring it to a gentle boil and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
Freshly cracked black pepper is used to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains bacon, but you can omit the bacon to make it a vegetarian spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
What kind of pasta should I serve this sauce with?
You can serve it over your choice of cooked pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of oil.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Who inspired this recipe?
This sauce was inspired by a recipe from Kim127.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach; just ensure you sauté it until wilted before adding other ingredients.
Is there a specific way to prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
How much parmesan cheese is used inside the sauce?
One-half cup of grated parmesan cheese is stirred into the sauce.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Garnish the dish with toasted pine nuts and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the bacon and parmesan, mentioning only cracked black pepper for extra seasoning.
How much garlic is used?
One minced garlic clove is used in this recipe.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead and gently reheated, though you may need to add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
How long does the sauce simmer after adding the cream?
It should cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, decadent, and creamy.
How much sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
You will need 1/2 cup of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Is the white wine essential?
While the white wine elevates the flavor profile, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol.