If you’re looking for a delicious and Weight Watchers friendly meal, this bacon spinach pasta recipe is the perfect solution!
This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
Plus, it only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Best of all, this is Weight Watchers friendly, so you can enjoy this delicious meal without worrying about your diet.
This recipe came about because I was trying to cook with the ingredients I had at home.
I had center-cut bacon that needed to get used, so that was my first ingredient.
Pasta is something I always have on hand. I love pasta and bacon together!
Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It was the perfect healthy addition to this recipe!
Onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese were also used to give this pasta a boost of flavor.
Each serving is approximately 1 cup for 7 points per serving.
Click here to track the points on your WW app.
You can lighten up this recipe even more by using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.
Try other variations of this recipe based on what you have on hand. You could add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to make this dish even healthier.
Another idea is to replace the spinach with kale. Not only does it add verity to your WW friendly dinner, but also increases the dish’s nutritional value.
Kale is high in fiber, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it a great addition.
WW Friendly Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes
How to make Tasty and Light Bacon Spinach Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Before you drain the water make sure you reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking cut the bacon into small pieces and chop the onion.
Add the bacon and onion to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through.
Once the bacon is cooked through add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Make sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the spinach to the pan. Let it cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts.
The last step is to stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. I also added an additional 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
I topped the final dish with red pepper flakes and additional Parmesan cheese, both are optional.
This dish is sure to become a favorite in no time!
Yield: 4 servings (approximately 1 cup per serving)
Click here to track the points on your WW app.
- 8 oz. rotini pasta (weight uncooked)
- 3 slices center cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 cups spinach, packed
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (you might not use all of it)
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Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Before draining the pasta reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
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Add the bacon and onion to a skillet on medium heat. Cook 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is cooked through.
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Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Make sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Add the spinach to the pan. Let cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts.
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Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Add an additional 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
Here are some more WW friendly recipes:
Tomato Basil Pasta with Ricotta
If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.
If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 100 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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