Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Spinach & Cheese is the perfect solution for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. This one-pot dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will delight your taste buds. With its rich flavor profile and easy preparation, this recipe makes mealtime enjoyable without the hassle of extensive cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or entertaining guests, this comforting pasta dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; sauté until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes). Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and add uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until pasta is tender (12-15 minutes).
- Once cooked, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Add crispy bacon back into the pot along with fresh spinach if desired.
- Garnish with parsley before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (225g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the sautéing step. To enhance flavor, consider using high-quality cheese and fresh herbs when garnishing.