Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta With Spinach & Tomatoes

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This creamy chicken bacon pasta is a dream! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, it’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Who doesn’t love pasta that’s rich and comforting? I often pair it with a side salad for extra crunch. It’s a quick meal that feels like a treat any night of the week!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I recommend using penne or fusilli since they hold onto the sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish, but chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a time-saver!

Bacon: For a healthier twist, turkey bacon works great, or you could skip it entirely and use smoked paprika for that bacon-like flavor.

Heavy cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, opt for half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Just keep in mind, the sauce might be a bit thinner.

Spinach: Fresh spinach is wonderful, but frozen spinach can also work well. Just be sure to thaw, drain it, and squeeze out excess water.

How Do I Get Creamy Sauce Without Overcooking It?

The cream sauce is the heart of this dish, so handling it just right is key! Here’s how you can keep it creamy without overcooking:

  • Heat the heavy cream slowly over medium heat to avoid boiling, which can cause it to separate.
  • Stir in the cheese off the heat or on very low heat to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
  • As the sauce thickens, keep watching closely, stirring often to prevent any sticking.

Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect, creamy texture while keeping all the flavors intact! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta With Spinach & Tomatoes

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta With Spinach & Tomatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious creamy chicken bacon pasta will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and cooking the pasta, and roughly 15-20 minutes preparing the creamy sauce and combining all the flavors. Quick and satisfying!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the middle, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Bacon:

In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving some of the bacon fat in the skillet.

4. Sauté the Garlic:

If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant.

5. Add Veggies:

Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add in the fresh spinach, cooking until it wilts, around 2 minutes.

6. Make the Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where your sauce starts to come together!

7. Add Cheese:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.

8. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Heat through for a couple of minutes.

9. Final Touch:

Give it a taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Then, dish out the pasta into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

10. Enjoy!

Serve this creamy chicken bacon pasta warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Enjoy your rich, savory creamy chicken bacon pasta with vibrant spinach and tomatoes!

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta With Spinach & Tomatoes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne or fusilli are great choices, you can use any pasta you prefer. Spaghetti or even gluten-free pasta also works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type!

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that this may alter the richness of the sauce a bit.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for heartiness and flavor. You can also use plant-based cream and cheese for a creamy option.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to keep the sauce creamy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up!

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