Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4 2-cups
This creamy chicken pasta with bacon is an easy weeknight meal you can make in less than thirty minutes. It’s simple, fast, and crazy delicious packed with tender chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and bacon.
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken, (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
6 bacon strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 c. spinach
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter
4 small tomatoes – diced
3 garlic cloves – minced
1 ½ tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning (more, if desired)
salt and pepper
1.5 c. heavy cream
1 c. Parmesan cheese, shredded (more for garnish)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt
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 platter, transfer the cooked bacon. Then, chop the bacon into 1-inch pieces. Wipe the skillet clean using a paper towel.
Step 2: Before seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, pat dry the chicken. Set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil. Then, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until nicely browned. Adjust the heat to medium if the chicken is still pink in the middle and cook for a couple of minutes more, covered until no longer pink in the center. Take the chicken out of the skillet and slice it.
Step 4: In the hot pan, melt the butter. Then, add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic. Next, add the tomatoes and continue to cook for additional 3 minutes over medium-high heat or until the tomatoes release their juices. Toss in the spinach and cook further until wilted.
Step 5: Decrease the heat and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir well.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and cook over low heat. Gradually add in the Parmesan cheese once the heavy cream is a little simmering. Stir well and simmer once all the cheeses are added over low heat until smooth.
Step 7: Following the package directions, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain when done, but do not rinse.
Step 8: Add the sliced chicken along with bacon and pasta. Stir in the chopped parsley. If needed, season with salt.
Step 9: If desired, 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%
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