This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a deliciously creamy pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Quick and easy, it’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights, combining comfort food with fresh ingredients for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Loaded with Flavor: The combination of chicken, bacon, and Parmesan creates a rich, savory base, while fresh spinach and tomatoes add brightness and balance.
Creamy Alfredo Goodness: The heavy cream and Parmesan blend into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
All-in-One Meal: With protein, veggies, and carbs, this pasta dish is hearty and well-rounded, ideal for a satisfying dinner.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just one skillet for the sauce, it’s a great recipe for a delicious, easy-to-clean-up meal.
Key Ingredients:
Penne Pasta: Penne is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, but feel free to use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer.
Chicken Breast: For the best texture, cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky element. To save time, you could use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits, though fresh-cooked bacon will give the best flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a mild earthiness. Chop it finely so it integrates smoothly into the sauce. Baby spinach is ideal, but regular spinach will work as well.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These create the creamy Alfredo sauce. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps balance the creaminess. Low-sodium broth is best for controlling saltiness.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the Penne: Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (still a bit firm). This typically takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the package instructions.
Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, if desired.
2. Cook the Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil if needed.
Season and Cook: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and cooked through.
Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bacon
Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain some of the fat if necessary, leaving just enough for flavor.
Crumble and Set Aside: Remove the bacon, crumble into small pieces, and set aside for later.
4. Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Sauté the Garlic: Using the bacon fat in the skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and reduced in volume.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and starting to release their juices.
6. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Combine Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese and Butter: Once simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Then add the butter, stirring until fully incorporated.
Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, as needed.
7. Combine Ingredients
Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything to coat the pasta and evenly distribute the ingredients.
Heat Through: Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color, if desired.
Serve: Serve hot, either directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a hearty main dish that pairs well with a few light and fresh sides:
Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing of a Caesar salad complement the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add extra greens to the meal.
Simple Arugula Salad: A salad of arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice adds a peppery contrast to the creamy pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This dish can be stored for easy next-day lunches or dinner leftovers:
Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: While cream-based sauces don’t freeze as well, you can freeze this pasta for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop with a little extra liquid.
Recipe Variations:
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and turkey bacon for regular bacon to reduce fat.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and spinach for extra depth of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a touch of heat.
Pesto Alfredo: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto with the Alfredo sauce for an herby twist.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and increase the spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables for a veggie-packed pasta dish.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne combines creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach for a flavor-packed pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy. Each bite is filled with layers of flavor, from the rich creaminess of the sauce to the savory depth of the bacon and Parmesan. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Serve it up for a special occasion or just because—either way, this dish is sure to make dinner feel special!
