Savory Chicken Bacon Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy, indulgent pasta dishes never fail to comfort the soul, especially when packed with crispy chicken bacon pasta in a velvety garlic cream sauce.

Tender chicken and smoky bacon create a perfect harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Vibrant spinach and juicy tomatoes add a fresh burst of color and nutrition to this delectable meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, creamy goodness.

The garlic-infused sauce coats every strand of pasta with irresistible warmth and depth.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy dish that takes just minutes to prepare.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Irresistible Layers: Chicken, Bacon & Pasta With Garlic Cream

• This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families craving something delicious.
• Combining creamy garlic sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, this dish turns a simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your kitchen.
• Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for different dietary needs and palates.
• Each bite delivers a rich combination of proteins, greens, and a luxurious cream sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds without complicated cooking techniques.

The Building Blocks Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds substantial flavor and substance to the dish.
• Bacon: A crispy, savory ingredient that provides rich, smoky depth to the recipe.

• Pasta, Noodles: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base for the creamy sauce.
• Spinach: A fresh, nutrient-dense green that adds color and subtle earthy flavor.
• Tomatoes: Juicy ingredients that contribute bright and tangy notes to the overall dish.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: A rich, smooth base that creates a luxurious and creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that enhances the sauce's complexity and provides a tangy finish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that introduces traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Paprika: A mild spice that adds subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy component that provides a gentle heat to the dish.
• Olive Oil: A cooking medium that helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking.

Essential Tools For Chicken Bacon Pasta Perfection

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining ingredients.
• Cutting board: Perfect for prepping chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken and chop tomatoes and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise seasoning measurements.
• Pot: Required for boiling and cooking pasta noodles.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken while cooking.

Your Roadmap To Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta With Spinach

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

The chicken should develop a beautiful crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Step 2: Season with Flavor

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Pour in heavy whipping cream, allowing it to simmer and slightly thicken.

Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Build the Vegetable Layer

• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh spinach leaves

Let the vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors into the sauce.

Step 5: Bring Back the Protein

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Crumble most of the bacon into the mixture, reserving a few pieces for garnish.

Toss everything together to ensure each ingredient is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

Drain thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently toss to combine, ensuring every noodle is generously covered in the luscious sauce.

Transfer to serving plates and top with remaining crispy bacon bits and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Clever Cooking Tips For Dreamy Chicken, Bacon & Pasta Dinners

• Ensure chicken gets a golden, crispy exterior by patting it dry before seasoning and cooking in a hot skillet.
• Stir Parmesan cheese slowly and consistently to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform sauce.
• Add spinach last and cook briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Cook bacon separately first for maximum crunchiness, then crumble over the final dish for added texture.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to the noodles if it becomes too thick.

Flavor Adventures: New Twists For Chicken Bacon Pasta Lovers

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the creamy sauce and protein intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using smoked tempeh for bacon-like flavor and maintaining the dish's rich profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free bacon alternatives to create a lactose-free version of the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free pasta or additional zucchini noodles, ensuring all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Crowd-Pleasing Ways To Serve Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this creamy pasta in deep white bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of spinach and tomatoes.
• Hearty Family Feast: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
• Wine Companion Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the garlic and bacon flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for a quick lunch, reheating gently to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Keeping Chicken Bacon Pasta Fresh And Creamy For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months; avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces as they might separate.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency, stirring gently until heated through completely.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the noodles with penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to traditional pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles as an alternative.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, increase the quantity of red pepper flakes.

Chicken Bacon and Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory chicken bacon pasta intertwines Italian culinary traditions with creamy comfort. Garlic-infused sauce, tender chicken, crisp bacon, and fresh spinach create a hearty meal packed with rich flavors you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 Bacon pieces, cooked and crumbled

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 10 oz (283 grams) Penne pasta
• 3 cups Fresh spinach
• 5 Tomatoes, chopped
• 5 Cloves of minced garlic

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken breasts in hot skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Generously season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper during cooking process.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and pour heavy whipping cream, allowing sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese into cream sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
6. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach to the creamy mixture, cooking until spinach wilts.
7. Crumble crispy bacon and return cooked chicken to skillet, gently coating with the aromatic sauce.
8. Meanwhile, prepare pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture.
9. Drain pasta thoroughly and fold into the skillet, mixing with chicken, vegetables, and garlic cream sauce.
10. Plate and garnish with remaining crispy bacon crumbles and additional shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Customize Spice Levels Adjust red pepper flakes to create a mild or fiery experience that matches your heat tolerance.
• Make It Lighter Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Prep Ahead Chicken and bacon can be cooked in advance, making weeknight dinner assembly quick and effortless.
• Veggie Variations Experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient-packed alternative to spinach.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg