For some reason this carb loaded dish doesn’t feel too unhealthy. Almost like the amount of carbs in the pasta can be forgiven by the amount of nutrients in the spinach and fresh tomatoes. The bacon…well…That’s another story!

If you CAN’T deal with the guilt just substitute the regular pasta for quinoa or whole wheat pasta and let me know if it’s worth the compromise.

Here is the recipe. Play with the ingredient amounts. Do more bacon if you think bacon is not evil. Do more spinach if you feel guilty about too much bacon. The ranges in the ingredient amounts will not unbalance the overall flavor of the dish. This recipe makes 2 servings if you are willing to share. Have fun!

Ingredients

• 2-4 strips bacon, diced
• 1-2 cups grape tomatoes, halved (measure after you cut)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup leeks, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoons of apple cider or red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (do not leave this out!!!!!)
• 4 oz dry spaghetti noodles
• 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh or dry thyme

For Garlic Toast Bread Crumbs:

• 1 clove of garlic, finely minced or smashed on garlic smasher tool (you know what I mean)
• 1 cup bread crumbs (plain)
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• salt

Let’s make it:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

For the Garlic Crumbs
Heat oil in a skillet; add garlic first count to 30 slowly, add crumbs and toast until golden; add salt and set aside.

Saute the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat (make sure it’s LARGE because from here you will add all the remaining ingredients).  Cook until crisp, then set aside on paper towel.   Reserve some or ALL the bacon drippings, and drain off remaining oil.

Caramelize the tomatoes and sugar in the bacon drippings in the same large skillet (told ya), over medium heat.  Cook until tomatoes begin to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.  Add the leeks and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until leeks are translucent.

Deglaze with wine and allow sauce to simmer until the wine is nearly evaporated and sauce is thick.  Add the broth, vinegar, and pepper flakes.  Simmer until reduced by 1/3, approximately 5 minutes.

Add the spinach, thyme, and bacon to the sauce, then add the cooked pasta.  Toss lightly until pasta is well coated with sauce.  Season with salt as needed.

Ditch the Parmesan cheese and top each serving with the amazing garlic toast bread crumbs.

The DEALs (02/5 – 02/11)

Vons; Farmer John Sliced Bacon 3.99 ea with coupon (clip or click coupon)

Sprouts; Organic grape tomatoes 2 for 5 (1 pint)

Happy Dealicious Cooking!