Bacon Spinach Pasta Bake

I cannot contain my excitement over the sheer deliciousness that is the Bacon Spinach Pasta Bake!

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of pasta with melted cheese, spinach, and bacon.

This fabulous dish is infused with the tantalizing aroma of two types of cheese, and the vibrant flavors of spinach leaves and crispy bacon.

My step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of cooking pasta and cheese in the oven, in a unique and incredibly simple way.

Prepare to be amazed!

Just a touch of fried bacon elevates the entire dish, infusing it with a delightful smoky flavor.

This recipe calls for only 2 strips of bacon, which are finely chopped and fried to perfection in a pan.

As the bacon sizzles in hot vegetable oil, its enticing aroma fills the air, creating a sensory experience like no other.

Gradually, the other ingredients are added to the pan, allowing them to absorb the irresistible taste of bacon.

But how can you take ordinary pasta and transform it into a dish so tasty and aromatic that you simply can’t resist?

The answer lies in this amazing Bacon Spinach Pasta Bake recipe.

A dash of spice adds a whole new dimension to the pasta, while the zest of a lemon imparts refreshing citrus notes.

Imagine a generous handful of vibrant spinach leaves, adding a burst of freshness and color to every bite.

And let’s not forget the two types of cheese that bring a special twist to this hearty dish!

Plain processed cheese is the star of this recipe, effortlessly turning ordinary pasta into a truly extraordinary culinary creation.

This cheese boasts a natural creamy flavor that will leave you craving more.

And if you opt for processed cheese with spices or bacon bits, your pasta will burst with even more vibrant flavors.

So go ahead, choose your favorite processed cheese and savor the incredible taste!

Prepare to be blown away by the irresistible combination of pasta, melted cheese, spinach, and bacon.

With this easy recipe, you can effortlessly create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds

how to cook Bacon Spinach Pasta Bake?

STEP 1

To start, preheat your oven to 180°C (350⁰F). Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the cannelloni, but make sure to save 1/5 cup (50 g) of the pasta cooking water.

TIPS: Want some tips to enhance your pasta cooking skills? Check out my article “How to Cook Pasta Perfectly: 8 Secrets” for more detailed instructions.

TIPS: Short pasta lovers, rejoice! Instead of tube pasta, try using different varieties like shells, feathers, spirals, or penne. They add a fun twist to your dishes and provide a unique texture.

TIPS: Don’t underestimate the power of pasta cooking water! This starchy liquid works wonders when it comes to creating a flavorful pasta sauce or bringing all the ingredients together in a dish.

STEP 2

Next, wash the spinach leaves and give them a good dry before coarsely chopping them up.

TIPS: Frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative to fresh spinach. It’s already prepared and chopped, making it easy to add to your pan right away.

STEP 3

Cut the bacon into squares.

STEP 4

Cut the processed cheese into cubes.

TIPS: Instead of using processed cheese, why not try mozzarella or any other cheese that tickles your taste buds?

STEP 5

In a frying pan over high heat, pour a little vegetable oil and add the chopped bacon. Fry it on both sides until it turns a nice golden brown.

STEP 6

Then, add the chopped spinach leaves to the pan with the bacon and cook for another minute over medium heat. Mix everything together well and remove from the heat.

STEP 7

Transfer the fried bacon and spinach to a medium-sized bowl and add the chopped processed cheese.

STEP 8

Season it with dried garlic and nutmeg, pour in some lemon juice, add lemon zest, and give it a good stir.

TIPS: Instead of using dried garlic, you can opt for a small clove of fresh garlic as a substitute. To prepare it, finely chop or use a garlic press to extract its flavor.

TIPS: When it comes to lemon juice, you have the choice between using fresh lemons or bottled lemon juice. Both options work just fine, so go with whatever you have on hand or prefer. The tangy flavor of lemon will add a refreshing twist to your dish.

STEP 9

Now, take the cooked cannelloni and place them in a large bowl. Add the bacon and spinach mixture, along with the reserved pasta cooking water, and give it a good stir.

STEP 10

Grease two 15cm x 11cm square baking dishes with some vegetable oil. Place the mixture into the prepared dishes, sprinkle some grated cheese on top, and drizzle some vegetable oil over it.

TIPS: Pre-grated cheese is incredibly convenient for preparing a wide range of dishes.

STEP 11

Place the pasta dishes in the preheated oven at 180°C (350⁰F) and bake for 6-8 minutes.

TIPS: Looking for some helpful advice on how to preheat your oven and prepare it for baking? Look no further than my articles “How and Why Do You Need to Preheat Oven” and “Top 7 Secrets How to Bake in Oven”.

STEP 12

Once done, remove the pasta dishes from the oven and let them cool slightly.

STEP 13

Sprinkle some chopped parsley leaves over the finished pasta casserole.

STEP 14

Serve the warm Bacon Spinach Pasta Bake. Enjoy your meal!