Bacon Ranch Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

It's recipe swap time again.  This time the theme was "noodles". I submitted one of my favorite recipes-Sesame Noodle Salad and in return received this delicious recipe from Sweet Beginnings. I was so excited when I saw this recipe-I've actually had this recipe bookmarked for awhile so I was glad that this gave me the perfect oportunity to make it.

This meal was so good!  Like Jaida, I also made a ton of pasta and Matt and I happily ate the leftovers for a few days.  I think this is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day-after the flavors have had time to really blend together.  I substituted half and half for the heavy cream and it was quite a bit creamier in the leftovers than the first night I made it.  Even though this made quite a bit and we had a ton of leftovers, I can honestly say that I did not get tired of eating this-I couldn't get enough of it!

Don't shy away from this recipe because it has the words "ranch" and "pasta" together.  Truthfully, I didn't tell Matt the name of this dish until after he tried it because I was afraid the name would turn him off. Believe me, this is an amazing combination-the ranch flavors with bacon and a creamy pasta are amazing.  Truly amazing. Thank you Jaida!

Bacon Ranch Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

1/2 lb bacon
1 lb short cut pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream (I used half and half)
1 bag baby spinach
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, and cook bacon. Allow the bacon to cool, then crumble.

In a small bowl, combine parsley, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in skillet large enough to hold the pasta over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. 

Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add seasoning mixture from step 2, spinach and tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts. 

Add pasta and cooked bacon and toss to combine. Add grated cheese and taste for seasoning.