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Creamy Bacon Rigatoni Pasta

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Do not drain the bacon grease.
  • Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Stir in the parsley, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
  • Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of additional pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped Italian parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
    • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
    For extra richness, reserve a few crispy bacon pieces to sprinkle over each serving.
    Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a complete meal.