Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is evenly browned and crisp with no soft pieces remaining. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving a small amount of the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Avoid letting the garlic brown or burn.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in the heavy cream and a small splash of reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
Add drained pasta and cooked bacon to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated.
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed.
Serve immediately while hot and steaming.
