Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon

Welcome to our food blog, where we are always on the hunt for the most delicious recipes to satisfy your taste buds.
Today, we have a mouthwatering dish that will surely impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a special meal: Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon.
This recipe is a true celebration of typical Sicilian flavors that come together in a harmonious and irresistible dish.
The star of the show is the spinach and ricotta pesto, which brings a burst of vibrant green color and creamy texture to every bite.
The freshness of the spinach combines perfectly with the richness of sheep’s ricotta, creating a luscious green cream that will have you coming back for more.
To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, we toast some pine nuts to perfection and sprinkle them over the pasta. Their crispy and nutty taste provides a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the pesto.
And of course, we can’t forget about the grated Sicilian pecorino, which adds a bold and distinctive taste to this symphony of flavors.
But wait, there’s more!
To give this dish a pleasant crunch and a smoky touch, we sauté some smoked bacon and incorporate it into the pasta.
The combination of flavors and textures in every bite will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Sicily.
Now, let’s talk about the secret behind the unique character of this dish.
We use only the finest ingredients sourced from Sicily, such as grated Sicilian pecorino and Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.
These high-quality ingredients truly elevate the flavors and authenticity of the dish, ensuring that each mouthful is a culinary delight.
So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a special meal for yourself, Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon is the perfect choice.
With its luxurious flavors and delightful textures, it’s guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a taste of Sicily in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!

Yields and Prep Times

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Values per Serving of Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Proteins: 15-18 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Sugar: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 400-500 mg

Ingredients

• 320 g of short pasta of your choice
• 150 g of smoked bacon
• 150 g of fresh spinach
• 100 g of sheep ricotta
• 1 clove of garlic
• 50 g of grated Sicilian pecorino cheese
• 50 g of pine nuts
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Start by cleaning the spinach. Wash them under running water and remove any tough parts. Chop them coarsely.
2. In a pan, toast the pine nuts without adding oil until golden. Then, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
3. In a non-stick pan, brown the bacon over medium heat for a few minutes or until crispy. Once ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, now pour a drizzle of fine Sicilian extra virgin olive oil and add the whole garlic clove. Brown the garlic carefully to avoid it from burning, then remove it from the pan.
5. Add the spinach to the same pan and cook them over medium heat until they reduce in volume.
6. In the meantime, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the instructions on the package.
7. Transfer the spinach to a blender or food processor and add the ricotta, grated pecorino cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Blend the mixture until you obtain a homogeneous consistency. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of pasta cooking water.
8. Drain the pasta al dente, but keep a cup of cooking water.
9. Sauté the bacon again in the pan and add the spinach and ricotta pesto. Also, add a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water to obtain an even creamier dressing.
10. Combine the pasta with the dressing in the pan and sauté everything over medium heat for a few minutes, until the pasta is well coated. If necessary, add more cooking water to adjust the creaminess.
11. Finally, serve the Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon generously sprinkling it with grated Sicilian pecorino cheese. Enjoy your meal!

Wine Pairing

If you have chosen to delight your palate with Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon, then you have made a truly excellent culinary choice.
To enhance the flavors of this dish, we recommend accompanying it with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo.
This sparkling wine, with its bright yellow color, adds a touch of freshness and liveliness to the meal.
Its elegant and refined aroma perfectly complements the creaminess of the spinach and ricotta pesto, while its structured and dry taste creates a harmonious balance with the crispiness of the pancetta.
Make sure to serve it at a temperature between 6°C and 8°C(45°F) to fully appreciate all the aromatic nuances.

How to Store Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon

1. You can save time by preparing the spinach, ricotta, and pine nut pesto in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days. This way, when you want to prepare the pasta, you will already have the sauce ready to use.
2. If you have leftover Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days. When reheating the leftovers, add a little water to maintain the creaminess of the dish. Avoid reheating more than once to preserve the texture and flavors.

Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon

The Spinach Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon is a complete and nutritious first course that will surely conquer everyone’s palate. Prepare it in no time and delight your guests with this delicious culinary creation that embodies the authentic taste of Sicily.

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