EASY TO COOK

🍝 Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe 🥓🍗🥬

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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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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:

  1. Sauté the garlic:
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  1. Add the cream and broth:
  • Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  1. 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:

  1. Add the spinach:
  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  1. 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:

  1. 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! 🍝🥓🍗🥬