Description
Zesty Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta with Creamy Bacon & Spinach is a mouthwatering dish that seamlessly blends sweet and smoky flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender chicken is sautéed to perfection and coated in a rich honey BBQ sauce, complemented by crispy bacon and fresh spinach. The creamy texture elevates this pasta dish, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can create a satisfying meal that delights the palate and warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside while keeping some drippings in the pan.
- Add olive oil to the skillet. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika; cook for about one minute.
- Pour lemon juice and honey BBQ sauce over the chicken; simmer for five minutes until evenly coated.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then add back crispy bacon.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using freshly minced herbs. Customize by incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu. For extra spice, mix in red pepper flakes or choose a spicier BBQ sauce.