Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Yield: 4 Servings

This recipe is a must-try! Oh, man, you are so in for a treat!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 pound chicken (chicken breasts or tenderloins)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil – combined)

5 tomatoes (medium, chopped in large cubes)

1 c spinach cooked

5 garlic cloves minced

¼ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed

6 bacon strips, COOKED, DRAINED OF FAT, AND CHOPPED

1 ⅓ c half and half

1 ⅓ c Parmesan cheese, shredded

10 ounces penne pasta (for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brown-rice penne)

½ c Parmesan cheese, shredded, for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to high.

Step 2: Add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to become hot.

Step 3: Add the chicken and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top, then flip to cook the other side for another minute.

Step 4: Turn the heat down to medium and cook the chicken on both sides for a few more minutes until brown.

Step 5: Remove from the pan and place the chicken on a clean plate, then cover.

Step 6: In the same pan, add the garlic, chopped tomatoes, crushed pepper, spinach, ½ of the crispy bacon, and ⅓ of the chicken. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Add in half&half and allow the mixture to boil.

Step 8: Reduce the heat and add in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and melted.

Step 9: Remove from the heat and add in the salt and crushed red pepper.

Step 10: Cook the pasta according to the directions provided on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 11: Toss in the al dente pasta into the sauce. Add the rest of the bacon as well as the rest of the chicken sliced into thin pieces.

Step 12: Top with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

Step 13: Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

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