Description
Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil. Sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Make the sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, gather and prep all ingredients: cut chicken into even strips, mince garlic, halve tomatoes, and cook bacon until crisp. This mise en place is crucial for a smooth cooking process. Begin by boiling the pasta in well-salted water. In a large skillet, heat oil and cook the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and tomatoes to build flavor, then add spinach until wilted. Lower the heat to prevent curdling, then add cream and Parmesan, stirring until slightly thickened. Finally, combine the drained pasta, chicken, and bacon with the sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a more complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta. Sear seasoned chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Create the sauce by adding cream and Parmesan. Combine all elements—pasta, chicken, bacon—with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately with extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce effectively.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use less bacon or a lighter cheese like Pecorino Romano.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but combine and reheat gently just before serving, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little cream or broth.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be excellent additions. Sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cook just until no longer pink inside to keep it tender and juicy.
- High Heat for the Sauce: Always lower the heat before adding cream and cheese to prevent separation or curdling.
- Underseasoning the Pasta Water: Salt the boiling water generously; it’s your first chance to season the pasta itself.
- Crowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, balancing creamy richness with fresh ingredients. Its straightforward process yields a restaurant-quality meal in about 30 minutes. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!