Description
Chicken, Spinach, and Bacon Pasta
This creamy pasta dish features pan-seared chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes all tossed together in a creamy sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
For the Pasta:
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cups fresh spinach
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon and sliced chicken.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
This creamy chicken, spinach, and bacon pasta is full of flavor and perfect for a hearty meal! Would you like to share this recipe with your followers too?
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep First: Slice chicken, halve tomatoes, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Cook Components Separately: Boil pasta in salted water, then pan-sear the seasoned chicken to golden perfection. Cook bacon until crispy. This builds layers of flavor and texture.
3. Build the Sauce Base: In the bacon fat (drain excess if needed), sauté garlic, then tomatoes. Add spinach to wilt.
4. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until melted and combined. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Off the heat, combine the drained pasta, creamy sauce, crumbled bacon, and sliced chicken. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta immediately while hot and creamy. For a restaurant-style touch, garnish with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley or basil. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich dish. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
This one-pan wonder involves cooking pasta, chicken, and bacon separately before uniting them in a creamy Parmesan sauce with spinach and tomatoes. The key steps are building flavor in the skillet and using starchy pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Short shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work well as they hold the sauce. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk. You can also use less bacon and add more spinach.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but assemble just before serving. The sauce may thicken upon standing; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little liquid to revive the sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes. Thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Cook just until no longer pink inside and let it rest before slicing.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: The starchy water is crucial for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency without making it greasy or thin.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Add Parmesan off direct high heat and stir constantly to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Crowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in an uncrowded skillet to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
Conclusion
This Chicken, Spinach, and Bacon Pasta is the epitome of a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon in every forkful. It’s a versatile recipe sure to become a cherished favorite for busy weeknights and special dinners alike.