If you’re craving a dish that brings together indulgent creaminess, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe is an absolute must-make. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels luxurious but comes together quickly with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The richness of the creamy sauce clings to the perfectly cooked penne pasta, while the bursts of smoky flavor from crispy bacon and the fresh earthiness of spinach create a delightful harmony you’ll want to savor bite after bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing a few straightforward ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or that beautiful pop of color that makes this meal irresistible on the plate.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Bacon slices: Bring irresistible smoky crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy pasta.
- Garlic cloves: The aromatic foundation that wakes up every other ingredient.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and layers of savory flavor to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that defines this dish.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Short pasta that holds onto the sauce perfectly with every forkful.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle earthiness to the creamy sauce.
- Dried Italian herbs: Infuse classic Mediterranean flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Fresh spinach: Provides a refreshing green burst and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to balance out the richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon to Perfection
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully crispy, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because that smoky, crunchy texture will elevate the creamy elements later. Once cooked, set the bacon aside but keep all those flavorful drippings in the pan—they’re pure gold for the next steps!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Until Golden
In that same skillet loaded with bacon drippings, season your diced chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown and develop a gorgeous sear. This browning adds so much flavor and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy. Remove your chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Build a Flavorful Base with Garlic and Broth
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen. This quick step unlocks the flavor of the garlic without burning it. Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—those bits hold concentrated flavor and make your sauce extra tasty.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, paprika, and dried Italian herbs. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente—this way, the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors directly in the pan, making every bite a perfect balance of sauce and seasoning.
Step 5: Add the Cream, Chicken, and Spinach
Once the pasta is ready, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked chicken and fresh spinach. The spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding freshness, while the cream transforms the mixture into the comforting, luscious texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 6: Bring It All Together with Bacon
Finally, fold the crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta just before serving. This keeps the bacon’s satisfying crunch and smoky goodness intact, which perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Now your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish over the top, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a bit of cracked black pepper on top right before serving. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or basil will add color and a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings balance and a welcome freshness to the meal. Dinner rolls or garlic bread also make fantastic companions to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top for an inviting look. For dinner parties, try layering the pasta in clear glass dishes so guests can admire the vibrant spinach and crispy bacon peeking through the creamy sauce—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making for an even tastier second serving.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but keep in mind the spinach may become watery upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta without the spinach and add fresh spinach when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully by holding the sauce in its tubes, other short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli would also be excellent choices.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just remember to keep the spinach separate until you reheat so it stays fresh and vibrant.
Can I substitute bacon with something else?
If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon or pancetta are great alternatives. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked tofu or mushrooms sautéed with smoked paprika.
How can I lighten up the dish?
To make this pasta lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of bacon, or swap it with a leaner protein like grilled chicken breast and add more veggies.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and make sure to skip the Parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free substitute for a similar cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe that makes it a beloved option for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and brings a comforting warmth to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little slice of pasta heaven with your family and friends!
Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender sautéed chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-pan meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, bringing together smoky, savory, and creamy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Protein and Meat
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Dairy and Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it turns crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for added flavor.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta along with paprika and dried Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
- Combine cream and spinach: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach until everything is well combined and the spinach wilts gently in the sauce.
- Finish with bacon: Mix the reserved crispy bacon back into the skillet, distributing it evenly. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy, smoky flavors together.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For added flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Ensure not to overcook the spinach to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
