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.
