Savor a hearty and delicious meal with this Creamy Chicken Pasta featuring Bacon and Spinach. This recipe blends succulent chicken, crispy bacon, vibrant spinach, and ripe tomatoes in a luscious, creamy sauce, all served with penne pasta. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish destined to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 10 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
For the Chicken and Bacon:
- 6 bacon strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken (thick cuts like chicken breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 small tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (with extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Heat a large pot of salted water until boiling.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy.
- Transfer from the skillet to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Once cooled, break the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook until it releases a fragrant aroma, which should take about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to a serving dish.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this delicious pasta dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach delivers a delightful mix of rich flavors and textures that cater to your comfort food cravings. The velvety sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant spinach come together in a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Ideal for both everyday dinners and special gatherings, this recipe is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Relish each mouthwatering bite!