Ranch Pasta with Bacon, Spinach, and Tomatoes

I made this so long ago- I can't believe I'm just getting around to sharing it with you now. Sometimes recipes get buried on my desktop and it takes me a bit, but believe me this one is worth the wait.

I had seen this recipe and it never did it for me. I kept thinking "Ew- who puts ranch salad dressing on pasta?! I'll pass!" Then finally one day I stopped being a brat and actually read the recipe- huh... no ranch salad dressing?! Ok... now I was more interested. You see, I love the flavor of ranch so I figured this should be a hit in our house. I love pasta with spinach and tomatoes, John loves bacon with everything, how could this fail?

Well... it didn't. We both loved it! I think next time I'd add a little more seasoning, the real "ranch" affect didn't come through for me, but the taste was subtle and delicious. However that could be my doing- I halved the recipe and I never really measure my seasonings (I tend to pinch and throw) so next time I might measure a bit more carefully. It was a great easy dinner, something I can definitely see myself making again.

Source: A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
2 cups light cream 
1 bag baby spinach
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 lb short cut pasta, cooked according to package directions
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese 


Directions:

Combine first 6 ingredients (through dried thyme) in a bowl and mix together. This is your Ranch seasoning. You can also use a packet of pre-made dried seasoning. 

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet large enough to hold the pasta over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add Ranch seasoning, spinach and tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts. Add pasta and cooked bacon and toss to combine. Add grated cheese and taste for seasoning.