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Today, we’re sharing a delicious Gluten-Free pasta recipe: Bacon and Spinach Cream Cheese Pasta. When it comes to comforting dishes that are both rich and satisfying, pasta recipes always top the list. And when you combine the creamy, mild tang of cream cheese with crispy bacon and fresh spinach, you create a pasta dish that’s irresistibly hearty and perfect for an easy 30-minute weeknight dinner. Dairy-free options included.
Bacon & Spinach Cream Cheese Pasta: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Savory and Satisfying: Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch, while fresh spinach introduces a burst of freshness, color, and subtle earthiness.
One-Pan Wonder: With just one skillet needed (besides the pot for pasta), cleanup is a breeze.
Gluten-Free: The only two ingredients to watch out for are pasta and bacon. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will work wonderfully.
Bacon: The star of the show! Bacon adds an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the base of this creamy sauce, creating a smooth rich texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of green and a touch of healthy veggies.
Garlic: For that aromatic depth that makes the sauce even more tasty.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This helps to keep the sauce on a lighter note and add flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that enhances the overall taste.
Green Onions: More flavor and another texture
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and herbs of choice
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use any gluten-free short-cut pasta, or spaghetti or spaghettini. For a low-carb alternative, use spiralized zucchini or squash.
Bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative with a similar flavor.
Pancetta or Prosciutto: These can provide a different but complementary taste.
Vegetarian Bacon: For a plant-based option, use vegetarian bacon or bacon-flavored tofu.
Cream Cheese: Ricotta Cheese will add a slightly different texture but still provide creaminess.
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a dairy-free, creamy option.
Kale: Thinly sliced kale can be used as a substitute, though it may need a bit longer to cook.
Arugula: Adds a peppery flavor and cooks quickly.
Garlic: Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Green Onions: Finely chopped shallots are a great substitute
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme can add extra flavor. Add according to taste.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: A splash of white wine for depth of flavor, or;
Pasta water if broth is not available, but you may need to adjust seasoning.
For an extra-rich sauce, substitute broth for cream.
For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond or soy milk.
Cheese options to replace parmesan:
Pecorino Romano: Adds a sharper, tangier flavor.
Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free alternative that still adds a cheesy flavor.
Grana Padano: A similar cheese to Parmesan but often more affordable
Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese: Crumbled into the sauce for a bold, tangy flavor.
Fontina or Gruyère: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty, complex flavor.
Is Bacon Gluten-Free?
Yes, bacon is generally gluten-free, as it is made from pork and does not naturally contain gluten. However, it’s important to check the packaging or ingredient list, as some brands may add flavorings or preservatives that could contain gluten. If you’re buying pre-packaged bacon, look for labels that state it is gluten-free. For added safety, you might also want to opt for bacon from brands that are certified gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Bacon & Spinach Cream Cheese Pasta: Tips for Best Results
Cook Pasta Al Dente:
Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Save Pasta Water:
Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta and adjust the consistency if needed.
Crisp Bacon Perfectly:
Cook the bacon over medium heat to render the fat slowly and achieve crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook it in batches if necessary.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using it. This makes it easier to blend smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
Wilt Spinach Just Right:
Don’t overcook the spinach; add it at the end and cook just until wilted. Overcooking can make it lose its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Adjust Consistency:
Not all gluten-free pasta is the same. If the sauce becomes too thick once you add the pasta, add a bit of the reserved pasta water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Season Gradually:
Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings gradually and taste as you go. Bacon, cream cheese, and Parmesan are salty, so you might need less salt
Finish with Parmesan:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. It adds a final layer of flavor and creaminess.
Serve Immediately:
Creamy gluten-free pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
To store and reheat gluten-free pasta, first allow it to cool to room temperature to prevent condensation and sogginess. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer storage ( 2-3 months).
When ready to reheat, if frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Use a microwave by placing a portion in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a gap for steam), and microwaving on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
This Bacon & Spinach Cream Cheese Pasta is a keeper. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any pasta lover. The creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and fresh spinach make for a tasty combination that will keep you coming back for more.
This recipe is straightforward to follow. The steps are simple, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You’ll love that it’s a one-pan dish (aside from the pasta pot), making cleanup quick and easy. I highly recommend this gluten-free pasta dish for a quick, satisfying meal!
This Gluten-Free Bacon & Spinach Cream Cheese Pasta Dish is everything you want in a comfort meal—creamy, savory, and addictively delicious.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and save about a cup of pasta water and set pasta aside.
2.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet or drain the fat and add olive oil or butter to replace the bacon fat
3.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the green onions, minced garlic, herbs, and nutmeg, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cream cheese, breaking it up with a spatula. Slowly add the broth about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. (I heat my broth, makes the sauce smoother)
4.
Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until slightly wilted, about 1 minute.
5.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, bacon, and lemon zest tossing everything together until well combined. Add red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. The sauce will thicken once it is absorbed by the pasta, you may have to add some pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
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