Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe: Simple Weeknight Magic

Crispy chicken bacon spinach penne promises a delightful culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Savory ingredients blend seamlessly in this comforting dish, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Tender pasta intertwines with smoky bacon and succulent chicken, offering a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Vibrant spinach adds a fresh, nutritious element to the classic combination.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings make this recipe a standout choice for dinner.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing creation with minimal preparation.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and irresistible taste.

You can want to dive right into this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Time-Saving Tips for This Pasta Favorite

• Pasta Perfection: Cook penne exactly 10-12 minutes for that ideal al dente texture without becoming mushy or too firm.
• Fat Flavor Hack: Reserve a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet to enhance the overall depth and richness of your sauce.
• Chicken Cooking Mastery: Ensure chicken pieces are golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy results.
• Cream Sauce Secret: Stir Parmesan slowly and consistently to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Fresh Finish Trick: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs right before serving to boost aroma and add a bright, crisp flavor contrast to the creamy dish.

Storage Advice for Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Select a Zesty White Wine: Pair this creamy, rich chicken bacon penne with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the heaviness and complement the dish's flavors.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Elevate with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Create a Bright Dessert: Follow up with a light lemon sorbet or citrus parfait to cleanse the palate after the rich, creamy pasta dish.

Spin on It: Penne Variations to Experiment With

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and swap spinach for sun-dried tomatoes. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie Powerhouse: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein. Incorporate roasted red peppers and zucchini for extra vegetable depth.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Use blackened chicken seasoning and swap bacon for chorizo. Add roasted corn, jalapeños, and top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Creamy Truffle Elegance: Drizzle white truffle oil over the finished dish and replace regular bacon with pancetta. Incorporate wild mushrooms and garnish with fresh thyme for a luxurious gourmet experience.

Curious About This Pasta? Your Penne FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta type.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetarian bacon or omit bacon completely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook components separately and store in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat when ready to serve, adding a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency.

• What are good side dishes to serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light Caesar salad complement this creamy pasta dish perfectly.

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne: Creamy, Savory, Satisfying

• This recipe delivers a luxurious one-pan meal that blends rich, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
• Whipped up in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or quick weekend meals.
• Experience a delightful combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, soft spinach, and al dente pasta that provides a satisfying mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Packed with protein and greens, this dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it a fantastic family meal that can easily be adjusted to personal preferences.

What to Prep for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Rich, crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty flavor enhancement.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides hearty base.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutritional value and earthy flavor to the recipe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that bring bright color and fresh taste.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates depth and rich flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy base that helps create smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that adds additional savory depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, tangy cheese that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky sauce consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herb garnish for fresh, bright finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Bacon Penne

Step 1: Prepare Penne Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in the penne pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender, about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Cook Succulent Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper

Sizzle the chicken for 6-8 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden-brown and cooks completely through. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon

In the same magical skillet, lay down bacon slices. Cook them until they’re wonderfully crispy. If there’s too much fat, drain some off, but keep a little for extra flavor. Crumble the bacon into delightful bits and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Garlic and Spinach

Using the bacon’s leftover magic, sauté minced garlic for a quick minute. Toss in chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts beautifully.

Step 5: Add Juicy Tomatoes

Introduce cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Let them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes, releasing their sweet juices.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce. Finish with a pat of butter for extra richness.

Step 7: Combine All Ingredients

Reunite the cooked pasta, golden chicken, and crumbled bacon in the skillet. Toss everything together, coating each piece in the creamy sauce. Let it mingle for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve piping hot and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon spinach penne delivers comfort in every bite, blending savory flavors with classic Italian-inspired ingredients. Hearty pasta promises a satisfying meal that pulls together quick weeknight dinner magic for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish (optional))

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Instructions

1. Immerse penne pasta in a generously salted water bath, allowing it to dance until perfectly tender and achieving al dente consistency. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Elevate a spacious skillet to medium-high temperature, introducing seasoned chicken morsels. Sear until golden exterior emerges and interior reaches complete doneness. Transition protein to a waiting vessel.
3. Within the same culinary canvas, transform bacon slices into crispy delicacies. Prudently manage rendered fat, reserving just enough for flavor enhancement. Deconstruct bacon into rustic fragments.
4. Utilize residual bacon essence to awaken minced garlic, releasing its aromatic potential. Introduce verdant spinach leaves, coaxing them into a delicate wilted state.
5. Invite cherry tomatoes to join the skillet’s symphony, allowing them to soften and release subtle sweetness.
6. Create a luscious foundation by streaming heavy cream and savory chicken broth. Gently coax Parmesan cheese into a smooth embrace, incorporating butter for luxurious richness.
7. Reunite the entire ensemble – pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon – tossing delicately to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage. Allow flavors to meld and intensify for a brief moment.
8. Optional flourish: Scatter fresh herbaceous notes of basil or parsley across the dish. Serve immediately, celebrating this harmonious culinary creation.

Notes

• Perfectly pairs crispy bacon with tender chicken, creating a delightful protein combination that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick one-pot meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy creamy pasta experience in under 30 minutes.
• Maximize flavor by using the same skillet for cooking chicken, bacon, and creating a rich, velvety sauce, reducing cleanup time.
• Adaptable recipe allows easy substitutions like swapping spinach for kale or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Pro tip: Reserve some pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Best served immediately while sauce is creamy and hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg