Penne with Spinach and Bacon

I really like this pasta dish- it is flavorful, easy to put together, uses simple ingredients, and isn't that bad for you!  The original recipe does not call to drain the bacon grease, but I had a lot rendered after cooking the bacon, so I drained out most of it; just left enough to coat the bottom of the skillet in order to cook the garlic.  This was our main dish for dinner today and was ready in the time it takes to boil pasta and cook the bacon.  We had yogurt fruit salad as our side- also very easy!  :)  PS:  Use whole-grain penne if you can find it!

Penne with Spinach and Bacon

adapted from Allrecipes

10 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

6 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 bunch fresh baby spinach (2-4 ounces... use more or less depending on how much you want), rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces

1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta, and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

2.Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place bacon in the skillet, and cook until browned and crisp. Remove bacon to drain on paper towels.  Drain the grease; leave about 1 tablespoon remaining- enough to coat your skillet.  Add garlic, and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes and cooked bacon, and cook until heated through.

3.Place the spinach into a colander, and drain the hot pasta over it so it is wilted. Transfer to a large serving bowl, and toss with the remaining olive oil, and the bacon and tomato mixture.

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