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Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Looking for a comforting yet flavorful dish that’s quick to make and bursting with deliciousness? Look no further than Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne!

This hearty pasta dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy sauce.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for entertaining. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, and the spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy note to balance it all out.

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

  • Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is ideal for capturing the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with other types of pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook up tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the chicken and creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce, adding a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: The base for the rich and creamy sauce that makes this dish so indulgent.
  • Garlic: Garlic brings a depth of flavor to the sauce that enhances the richness of the cream.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a touch of sharpness and a deliciously nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Helps to thin out the sauce and adds a savory undertone.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
  • Salt and Pepper: To season the dish and balance out the flavors.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, then crumble it once it’s cool.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and slice it into strips.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer. Add heavy cream, stir, and bring to a simmer. Add in the spinach and let it wilt.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Possible Variations

Want to customize this dish a little more? Here are a few easy variations to try:

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
  • Cream Cheese: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Swap Protein: You can replace the chicken with turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a different take on this dish.

Why You’ll Enjoy Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

This dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a standout in your weeknight dinner rotation.

  • Comforting: With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, this dish is all about indulgence without being overly heavy.
  • Flavor-Packed: The smoky bacon, fresh spinach, and rich cream come together beautifully, delivering a satisfying meal with every bite.
  • Versatile: You can tweak this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables or proteins. Plus, it pairs well with nearly any side.

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What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

To complement the richness of this pasta dish, here are a few perfect side options:

  • Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd favorite and is perfect for dipping in the creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli make a great side to add some extra nutrition and flavor to your meal.
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne recipe1

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a deliciously creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor! Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach come together in a rich sauce for an unforgettable meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne will always hit the spot.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet For cooking the chicken, bacon, and sauce
  • Pot For cooking the pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble once cool. Set aside.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice.
  • Sauté garlic in olive oil. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer. Add heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer.
  • Add spinach to the sauce and let it wilt. Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Toss everything together and serve. Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne!

Notes

  • Add extra veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more flavor.
  • Top with extra Parmesan for added cheesiness.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 33gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
Keyword bacon spinach pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe
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