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.
Ingredients
Scale
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))
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Utilize residual bacon essence to awaken minced garlic, releasing its aromatic potential. Introduce verdant spinach leaves, coaxing them into a delicate wilted state.
- Invite cherry tomatoes to join the skillet’s symphony, allowing them to soften and release subtle sweetness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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