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