Zesty Spinach Pasta with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Pine Nuts
This vibrant and zesty pasta dish combines the richness of crispy bacon and the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts with the fresh, earthy flavors of baby spinach. Enhanced by a bright lemon dressing, this recipe is not only easy to prepare, but also offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will impress your guests. Homemade pasta can make this dish even more special, but store-bought works perfectly well, ensuring a quick and delicious supper any night of the week.
4
Servings
220
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon
1 (Zest and juice)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Plus extra for drizzling)
Dry pasta (such as pappardelle)
300 g (Cook according to package instructions)
Streaky bacon
4 slices (Cut into strips)
Pine nuts
50 g (Lightly toasted)
Baby spinach
225 g (Remove thick stalks)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the dry pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the lemon dressing by grating the lemon zest into a bowl and squeezing in the juice. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mixing to combine, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
3
In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the bacon strips (no oil is needed as the bacon will render its own fat) and fry until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Once the bacon is cooked, add the pine nuts to the pan, stirring frequently until they are lightly toasted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
5
When the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the baby spinach to the hot pasta, allowing it to wilt in the residual heat.
6
Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and gently toss to combine. Then, fold in the crispy bacon and toasted pine nuts. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
22g
Carbs
7.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Zesty Spinach Pasta?
The dish features a vibrant and zesty profile driven by a fresh lemon dressing, balanced by the richness of crispy bacon and the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using dry pasta such as pappardelle, though store-bought or homemade pasta both work well.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How do I prepare the lemon dressing?
Grate the lemon zest into a bowl, squeeze in the juice, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Should I add oil when frying the bacon?
No, you do not need to add oil as the bacon will render its own fat as it cooks.
How long does it take to toast the pine nuts?
Pine nuts take approximately 1-2 minutes to toast; they should be stirred frequently to prevent burning.
What is the best way to wilt the baby spinach?
Add the baby spinach to the hot, freshly drained pasta and allow the residual heat to wilt it naturally.
What should I do if the pasta dish seems too dry?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the dish to achieve your desired consistency.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much fat is in this pasta dish?
There are 11g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides 7.75g of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1.25g of fiber.
What quantity of dry pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 300g of dry pasta.
What kind of bacon should I use?
The recipe specifies 4 slices of streaky bacon, cut into strips.
How much baby spinach is used in this recipe?
You will need 225g of baby spinach with the thick stalks removed.
How much olive oil is used for the dressing?
The dressing requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for drizzling.
What is the preparation for the pine nuts?
The recipe requires 50g of pine nuts, which should be lightly toasted in the frying pan.
Can I use store-bought pasta for this meal?
Yes, while homemade pasta is a special addition, store-bought works perfectly for a quick supper.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Fry the bacon strips for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.
Is it important to keep the pasta water?
Yes, you should reserve some pasta water before draining as it helps adjust the final consistency of the sauce.
When do I add the bacon and pine nuts to the pasta?
Fold them into the pasta after it has been tossed with the lemon dressing and the spinach has wilted.
How is the lemon prepared for the recipe?
The recipe uses both the zest and the juice of one lemon.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
The dish should be served immediately with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.
What makes this a 'quick meal'?
With a short cooking time for bacon and pasta, and no complex sauce-making, it is an efficient weeknight dinner option.
What is the role of the pine nuts in this recipe?
Pine nuts provide a toasted nuttiness and a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft pasta and wilted spinach.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of pasta, crispy bacon, and savory dressing makes it a satisfying comfort food dish.
Can this be made as a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a weeknight dinner due to its simple steps and quick preparation.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 primary ingredients: lemon, olive oil, dry pasta, streaky bacon, pine nuts, and baby spinach.