Weeknight pasta lovers, this one’s for you. This One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Bacon Pasta is smoky, savory, and velvety smooth with a pop of color and tang from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Made entirely in one skillet, it’s big on flavor and light on cleanup. Perfect for those evenings when you want a comforting, satisfying meal without the hassle.

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Why I Love This Recipe

It’s got all the magic words: one pan, bacon, pasta, cream, cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the cream and bacon. The spinach adds freshness, and the Parmesan ties it all together with salty, cheesy goodness. Plus, it comes together fast—no boiling pasta in a separate pot!

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Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Swaps & Notes

• Pasta Tip: Use short pasta shapes for even cooking in the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed works best—drain and chop.
• Cream Swap: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it heartier.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2. Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:
   Add the garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Spinach:
   Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted.
4. Add Pasta & Cream:
   Pour in the heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to coat the pasta. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to help the pasta cook.
5. Cook Until Tender:
   Let the pasta simmer in the cream, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Cheese & Season:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve:
   Plate the pasta and top with crispy bacon. Garnish with extra cheese or herbs if you like.

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Tips for Success

• Watch the heat: Keep it at a gentle simmer so the cream doesn’t separate.
• Thin the sauce: If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water.
• Pre-chop everything: Since this cooks fast, have all ingredients ready to go.
• Double the recipe: Easily scales up for leftovers or meal prep.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Round out your creamy bacon pasta night with these delicious sides and snacks:

• Start with Beer Cheese Dip and toasted baguette.
• Pair with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a cheesy comfort combo.
• Add Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for a fun twist on a side dish.
• Keep the creamy vibes going with Crockpot Nacho Dip.
• Need to feed a crowd? Add Cheesy Chicken Sliders to the table.

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Storage & Leftover Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Creamy pastas don’t freeze well, so enjoy fresh if possible.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

Can’t get enough creamy, cheesy comfort food? Don’t miss:

• Beer Cheese Dip
• Cheesy Chicken Sliders
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Totchos – Tater Tot Nachos
• Crockpot Nacho Dip

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Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Bacon Pasta is everything we love in a weeknight dinner—rich, quick, comforting, and full of flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding your family or just feeding your cravings, this pasta delivers every single time.

💬 Did you make this? Share your version in the comments or tag @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your skillet success!