Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4 2-cups
If you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this delicious creamy chicken pasta with bacon is a must! Throw this together in less than thirty minutes and enjoy a scrumptious dinner packed with tender chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and bacon!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
6 bacon strips
1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken, (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
1 tsp garlic powder
3 garlic cloves, (minced)
4 small tomatoes, (diced)
1 ½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning, (more, if desired)
½ tsp salt
2 c. spinach
1.5 c. heavy cream
1 c. Parmesan cheese, shredded (more for garnish)
salt and pepper
Pasta:
2 tbsp Parsley, (chopped)
10 ounces penne pasta
How to make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Step 1: To the skillet, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. To a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the cooked bacon. Then, chop the bacon into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Dry the chicken with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until nicely browned. Adjust the heat to medium and cook the chicken for a couple of minutes more if the chicken is still pink in the center. Set the chicken aside and slice.
Step 4: Into the same pan, add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic. Then, add the tomatoes and continue to cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices. Next, add the spinach and continue to cook until wilted.
Step 5: Decrease the heat and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir well.
Step 6: While still cooking on low heat, add the heavy cream. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese once the heavy cream is slightly simmering. Continue to cook, stirring over low heat until smooth.
Step 7: Following the package directions, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain when done, but do not rinse.
Step 8: Into the sauce, add the sliced chicken, bacon, and pasta. Add the chopped parsley. Toss well. If needed, season with more salt.
Step 9: Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, with extra shredded Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 1059, Calories from Fat 603, Fat 67g103%, Saturated Fat 33g206%, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 241mg80%, Sodium 1027mg45%, Potassium 1164mg33%, Carbohydrates 64g21%, Fiber 5g21%, Sugar 6g7%, Protein 50g100%, Vitamin A 4656IU93%, Vitamin C 26mg32%, Calcium 422mg42%, Iron 3mg17%