If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and comforting textures, look no further than the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. The addition of fresh spinach and diced tomatoes not only brightens the colors but also adds delightful freshness to each bite. Whether you’re cooking a casual dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple because it feels both indulgent and totally achievable in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe plays an essential role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the salty, crisp bacon to the creamy Parmesan sauce, and the fresh spinach for a pop of color, each component is simple yet crucial to the dish’s magic.
- 6 strips of bacon: Adds smoky crunch and deep flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken: Provides tender, juicy protein to soak up the sauce.
- 10 oz penne pasta: Perfect pasta shape for holding onto every bit of cream and seasoning.
- 2 cups spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast to the creamy components.
- 1.5 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, rich base that makes this dish truly decadent.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Offers aromatic depth and a touch of spice.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté garlic and tomatoes evenly.
- 4 small tomatoes (diced): Give a juicy, slightly tangy burst to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to cook the chicken, infusing it with light fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky hint.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herby layers that highlight the Mediterranean influence.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle, welcome heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors in the dish.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped): A fresh, bright garnish to finish the pasta beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your 6 strips of bacon until they reach that perfect crispy golden state. Remove the bacon and set it aside on some paper towels to drain, preserving the rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor in the next steps. This crispy bacon will inject smoky, savory goodness into every bite of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Seasoned Chicken
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for added flavor, then add the chicken pieces seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon, ensuring all those delicious flavors stay in the pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach
Lower the heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Toss in minced garlic and diced tomatoes, stirring gently until the garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften slightly. Next, add the fresh spinach and the rest of the seasonings, letting the greens wilt down perfectly. This vibrant, slightly tangy base kicks off the creamy sauce with layers of flavor and color.
Step 4: Cook the Penne Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly – you want it ready to soak up that rich sauce without becoming soggy. This simple step keeps your pasta perfectly firm for a satisfying bite alongside the creamy chicken and bacon.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Bacon, Pasta, and Sauce
Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and crumble the crispy bacon. Add both back into the skillet, stirring them into the flavorful sauce. Toss the drained penne pasta in gently, ensuring every piece is coated generously with the creamy, garlicky, slightly smoky goodness. The harmony of textures and flavors here is what makes the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the entire dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a final touch of richness and freshness. These garnishes elevate the dish visually and taste-wise, bringing an extra burst of flavor and that brilliant cheesy finish everyone loves.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese make the perfect garnishes to enhance the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for shine and a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat that wakes up the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The brightness and crunch of these sides balance the richness of the pasta beautifully, ensuring a well-rounded meal that satisfies on all levels.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this pasta in individual bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added texture. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors with a fresh squeeze, or even lightly char the diced tomatoes for a smoky twist that surprises at first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner reheats.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture of the cream sauce and spinach may change slightly upon thawing but the flavors will remain delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This approach keeps the dish creamy and fresh tasting without drying out the chicken or bacon.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can swap it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just cook according to package directions and enjoy the same creamy experience.
Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon to reduce calories while still retaining much of the original flavor.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free penne pasta and double-check any seasonings or packaged ingredients for gluten. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen chopped spinach works well as a substitute; just thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the sauce, so it doesn’t dilute the creamy texture.
Can I cook this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the components in advance—cook the chicken, bacon, and pasta, then combine just before serving. Reheat gently, garnish fresh, and enjoy a stress-free gathering with impressive homemade food.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over, whether for cozy family dinners or when friends come to visit. It’s comforting, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and watch it become a go-to favorite that never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Print
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
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with spinach, garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Tender seasoned chicken and crispy bacon add savory depth to this easy-to-make skillet meal, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta
Vegetables
- 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 and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the 6 strips of bacon over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to drain on paper towels. This will leave flavorful bacon fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Sauté Chicken: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the 2 cups of spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season the sauce with additional salt or seasonings if desired.
- Cook Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook 10 ounces of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well when done.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and crumble the reserved crispy bacon. Add both to the creamy spinach and tomato sauce in the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta, stirring everything together thoroughly so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and evenly mixed with the chicken and bacon.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley over the top. Give a gentle toss, then serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, savory flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the butter.
- You can swap penne pasta with other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for variety.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid splitting the cream sauce.
