CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA WITH BACON
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines the comforting richness of cream with the savory delights of chicken and bacon. Our Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is just that – a delightful one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, with everything coming together in just half an hour. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will make you want to come back for more. Plus, it’s so creamy and indulgent, you’ll forget it’s made right in your own kitchen.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet
- Large pot
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bacon strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 small tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (more, if desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (more for garnish)
Pasta:
- 10 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Step-by-step Instructions
- BACON: Add bacon strips to the skillet and cook until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined platter to absorb extra grease. Chop into 1-inch pieces.
- CHICKEN: Pat dry the chicken using paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Add chicken breasts and cook on each side over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side (total of 8 minutes) until nicely browned. If the chicken is still pink in the center, reduce heat to medium and cook covered for several minutes until no longer pink. Remove chicken from pan and slice it.
- Add butter to the hot pan and once it melts, add chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes on high until they release their juices. Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well.
- Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and slowly add Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- PASTA: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to instructions. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
- Add sliced chicken, bacon, and pasta to the sauce. Next, add chopped parsley. Stir until everything is fully coated in sauce. Season with more salt if necessary.
- TO SERVE: Serve with additional shredded Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking it’s no longer pink in the center before slicing.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Feel free to swap out penne for your preferred pasta shape.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Use leftover roast chicken to save time.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 700
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.
Can I freeze this dish? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Thaw and reheat before combining with pasta.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, savoring this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon. It’s a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to share your experience or any variations you tried in the comments below.