If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe. Bursting with rich flavors and comforting textures, this recipe effortlessly brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente penne pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to whip up, guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding savory depth, creamy richness, or a burst of freshness, making the dish a harmonious delight.
- Bacon (6 strips): Provides irresistible smoky crunch that elevates the creamy pasta.
- Boneless skinless chicken (1 pound): The tender protein centerpiece, seasoned perfectly for flavor.
- Penne pasta (10 oz): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully with its tube shape.
- Spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthy note, plus extra nutrients.
- Heavy cream (1.5 cups): The silky base that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses aromatic depth throughout the dish.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the garlic and enrich the sauce’s texture.
- Tomatoes (4 small, diced): Provide a fresh sweetness and slight acidity to balance richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The cooking medium for sautéing chicken with flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor subtly without overpowering.
- Paprika (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a mild smoky warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that lifts the flavors harmoniously.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick of heat to excite the palate.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh herb garnish to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp Up That Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your bacon strips until they are deliciously crispy. This step is key because those crispy bacon bites add such incredible texture and a smoky flavor that infuses every mouthful. Once cooked, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess fat — you’ll crumble these later to sprinkle over your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Seasoned Chicken
In the same skillet, drizzle in olive oil and add chicken pieces generously seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through; the seasoning forms a flavorful crust that makes every bite memorable. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base
Melt butter in the skillet, allowing it to blend with the flavorful bacon fat left behind. Toss in minced garlic and diced tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant and juicy. Then stir in the fresh spinach and the heavy cream, letting it reduce slightly as the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens. This step creates the heart of your creamy sauce, where fresh and rich notes mingle perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Penne Pasta
While your sauce simmers, boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain well to avoid watering down the sauce later. Cooking the pasta just right ensures it holds up well under the luscious cream sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Bacon, and Sauce with Pasta
Sliced chicken and crumbled bacon are gently folded into the creamy spinach and tomato sauce. Then, toss in your drained penne pasta, stirring to coat every piece in that dreamy sauce. This is where the flavors and textures meld spectacularly, and the pasta absorbs all those savory, creamy notes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley all over. These final touches add sharpness and a fresh herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond Parmesan and parsley, consider a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for added silkiness. Garnishing thoughtfully can elevate the presentation and flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
This creamy and savory dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables to cut through the richness and add crunch and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls or on warm plates sprinkled with a little more parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for a burst of citrus. For an impressive touch, add some toasted garlic bread on the side — it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even further, making the pasta deliciously infused when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that cream-based sauces may slightly separate after thawing, so stir well when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling, ensuring the pasta stays creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if preferred. For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika to replicate that smoky element somewhat.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind this may result in a thinner or less rich sauce. Adding a small amount of flour can help thicken if needed.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook the chicken. Sear it over medium heat only until golden and cooked through, then remove promptly. Cutting into even pieces also helps cook it uniformly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the bacon and chicken ahead and refrigerate them separately. It speeds up assembly when you’re ready to combine and serve your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe has everything you want from a comforting dinner: ease, flavor, and that homemade touch that makes any meal special. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see how this simple recipe can effortlessly become a star in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken pasta with bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender sautéed chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and diced tomatoes all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and serves four people.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 small tomatoes (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Dairy
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they are crisp. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
- Sauté the seasoned chicken: Using the same skillet with the bacon fat, add olive oil if needed and sauté the chicken, which has been seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften. Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt. Season the mixture lightly if needed.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and crumble the cooked bacon. Add both to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, mix in the drained penne pasta thoroughly so the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta before serving for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- If preferred, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- To make the dish spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
