Spaghetti with Spinach, Bacon, Creamy Parmesan Sauce

 

It is probably a good thing that I am a runner, because I like to eat pasta and we eat it often. It is not hard for me to carb load before a big race. Another benefit, it allows me to try out new recipes to find a good one for my pre race carb loading. 

Spaghetti noodles are mixed with a buttery, creamy sauce, spinach and bacon. Each serving is then topped with some fresh ground black pepper for some added flavor.  30 minutes is all you need to get this  delicious pasta on the table. 

Spaghetti with Spinach, Bacon, Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half and half
• 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces spinach
• 6 strips low sodium turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• coarse ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and then drain well.
2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the minced garlic and cook stirring constantly for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the half and half and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add in the shredded parmesan cheese. Stir constantly while the mixture simmers until the cheese has melted and mixture is creamy.
4. Stir in the spinach and remove from the heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the spinach to wilt.
5. Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the cream sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of pasta water, about 1/4 cup, to thin it out.
6. Toss in the cooked and crumbled bacon.
7. Top each serving with some fresh coarsely ground black pepper.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 551
Total Fat		30.5g
Saturated Fat		16.4g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.5g
Cholesterol		114.2mg
Sodium		506.5mg
Total Carbohydrates		51.8g
Dietary Fiber		3.1g
Sugars		7.2g
Protein		21.1g
Calcium		21%
Iron		8.8%
Potassium		173.2mg
Vitamin A		182.2%
Vitamin C		21.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Julia's Album.