Bucatini with Spinach, Bacon, Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat butter on medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.

Step 2

Add half-and-half and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer. Add shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring, while simmering, for a couple of minutes, until the cheese melts, and the sauce is creamy.

Step 3

Stir in spinach. Remove from heat. Close the skillet with the lid. The spinach will wilt.

Step 4

In the meantime, cook bucatini pasta in boiling water according to package instructions. It should be about 10 minutes for regular texture, or 8 minutes al dente. Reserve some pasta water. Drain.

Step 5

Add cooked bucatini pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Reheat on medium-low heat.  The sauce should be pretty thick and should coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of pasta water (1/4 cup) to thin it out.

Step 6

Add chopped cooked bacon.

Step 7

Season each individual serving plate with coarsely ground black pepper.