Quick Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe: Cozy Dinner Magic

Creamy chicken bacon spinach penne promises a delightful twist on classic pasta comfort.

Savory ingredients blend seamlessly in this easy weeknight meal.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this simple yet impressive dish.

Crispy bacon adds unexpected crunch to tender chicken pieces.

Smooth spinach brings a fresh, vibrant touch to each forkful.

Minimal preparation time means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without stress.

Let’s uncover how these ingredients create magic on your plate.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides substance and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and rich taste to complement the chicken.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce.

• Spinach, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition and color to the pasta dish.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Seasonings that provide depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: The primary carbohydrate base that holds the sauce and other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and providing a subtle background flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan and cook for four minutes on one side.

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Flip the chicken and cook for another three minutes. Lower heat, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Use the same skillet to make the sauce.

Pour heavy cream and bring to a boil. Add Parmesan cheese and reduce heat to a simmer.

Stir continuously for 1-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Vegetables and Bacon

• Cubed tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Stir over medium heat until spinach wilts.

Add one-third of sliced chicken and half the cooked bacon. Remove from heat once ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil water in a large pot and add penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions (typically 10-15 minutes) until al dente.

Drain pasta completely.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet with sauce.

Return to low heat to gently warm the mixture. Fold in remaining bacon and chicken strips to enhance flavor and ensure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Plate and enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne!

Tips for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking without excess fat.
• Select fresh, crisp spinach leaves for a vibrant color and maximum nutritional benefits in the dish.
• Slice bacon into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large, chewy chunks.
• Keep Parmesan cheese at room temperature before shredding to help it melt more smoothly into the sauce.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture that won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Variations on Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, cubed and seasoned similarly for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients like seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of bacon and chicken.
• Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding brightness and freshness to each bite.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary flavors.
• Finish with a light, tangy lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate after the rich, creamy pasta, providing a refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Storage Advice for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, keeping the sauce and pasta texture relatively intact.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

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

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat. You can reduce or omit these flakes if you prefer a milder flavor or want to avoid spiciness altogether.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To make the recipe lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, choose low-fat Parmesan cheese, and consider using grilled chicken breast instead of pan-seared chicken.

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne to Savor

• Quick Flavor Fusion: Combines chicken, bacon, and spinach in a creamy Alfredo sauce, delivering a powerful taste explosion that satisfies multiple cravings in one delicious dish.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple modifications like swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing multiple components in the same skillet, reducing dishes and saving precious cooking time while maximizing flavor development.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty pasta dish offers universal appeal with its rich, indulgent ingredients that please both adults and kids.

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon spinach penne combines classic Italian flavors with comfort food satisfaction. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a hearty meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger in one delicious dish.

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Ingredients

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• 10 oz penne pasta (gluten-free brown-rice penne optional)
• 1 lb chicken (skinless, boneless breasts or tenderloins)
• 6 strips bacon (cooked, drained, chopped)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked spinach)
• 5 medium tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (plus 1/2 cup for serving)
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mixed Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 minutes on one side, seasoning the uncooked side with paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover, and continue cooking chicken until fully done and no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside in a warm location.
3. Using the same skillet, bring heavy cream to a boil. Add Parmesan cheese, reduce heat to simmer, and stir continuously for 1-3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
4. Incorporate tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce. Stir over medium heat until spinach wilts. Add one-third of sliced chicken and half the bacon, mixing thoroughly.
5. Simultaneously, boil a large pot of water and cook penne pasta for 10-15 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta completely.
6. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet with sauce. Return to low heat, gently reheating and mixing. Add remaining bacon and chicken strips to blend flavors.
7. Serve hot, sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced taste and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful sear.
• Low-sodium options work great for those watching salt intake, allowing personal seasoning control.
• Gluten-free pasta can seamlessly replace traditional penne for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk alternatives for a lighter, lower-calorie sauce version.
• Fresh spinach provides maximum nutrients, while frozen spinach works as a convenient budget-friendly substitute.
• Vegetarian adaptation is possible by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh cubes.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg