This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
📋 Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta 🍝
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 🍗
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂🌶️
- 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped 🥓
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 cups fresh spinach 🥬
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1/4 cup chicken broth 🍲
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon:
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken:
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the olive oil and cubed chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté the garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cream and broth:
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine everything:
- Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a comforting, creamy, and savory dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s the perfect blend of flavors in every bite! 🍝🥓🍗🥬