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
Scale
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.
