If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances tender chicken, smoky bacon, vibrant spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce coating every bite of al dente pasta. Each forkful is comfort food at its finest, effortlessly bringing together simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the crispy bacon adding a savory crunch to the fresh spinach brightening things up with color and nutrients, every component is essential.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: Provides tender protein that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Brings smokiness and a satisfying crisp texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth that makes every bite irresistible.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid to cook the pasta and build the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture.
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta): The perfect vessel to soak up all the tasty sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Brings an herby, earthy note for extra complexity.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds freshness, vibrant green color, and a nutritional boost.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it crisps up nicely. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s golden brown and crackling, take it out and set it aside. The rendered bacon fat left behind will become the flavorful cooking base for the chicken, so don’t toss it!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Bacon Drippings
Using the same skillet with all that smoky goodness, season your diced chicken with salt and pepper and add it in. Sauté it for 6 to 8 minutes until the pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through. That bacon fat helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust full of flavor. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Build a Flavorful Base with Garlic and Broth
In the skillet, toss in your minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Then pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those tasty browned bits left from cooking. This step is essential because it adds depth and richness to the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Now add your uncooked pasta straight into the skillet, along with the paprika and dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together, then cover and let it simmer gently according to the pasta package instructions — usually around 10-12 minutes. This technique means your pasta soaks up the broth’s flavor as it cooks, becoming incredibly tender and tasty.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Cream, Chicken, and Spinach
After the pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring it through to create that rich, velvety sauce. Then fold back in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach — this will wilt beautifully in the warm sauce, adding vibrant color and a lovely freshness that balances the richness.
Step 6: Toss in the Crispy Bacon and Serve
The final flourish is folding the crunchy bacon back into the creamy pasta just before serving. This adds a smoky, crispy contrast to the tender ingredients and creamy sauce, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish even more dazzling on the table, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper on top. Adding a few torn basil leaves or a dash of red pepper flakes can give it an extra layer of aroma and a hint of heat if you like. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy Caesar salad to complement the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can add a nice contrast in texture and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic vibe. If you want to impress guests, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish carefully with bacon bits and spinach leaves. You can even stuff the pasta into hollowed-out tomatoes or zucchinis for a delightful presentation that doubles as a serving vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This pasta does freeze well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to leave out extra spinach and add fresh when reheating to keep it vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the creamy sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating as that can cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, you can swap in farfalle, rigatoni, or even rotini depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables besides spinach?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are great additions that complement the creamy sauce and bacon beautifully.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces and cooking it over medium heat just until browned helps keep it tender. Avoid overcooking the chicken in the initial sauté step because it will cook a bit more later in the sauce.
What wine pairs best with Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully here, balancing the richness of the cream and bacon with their bright acidity.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe is like treating yourself to an indulgent, home-cooked feast that never fails to impress. With simple ingredients coming together in such a comforting way, I encourage you to give it a try soon — it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something special without a lot of fuss. Trust me, once you taste it, this pasta will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken pasta with bacon and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, this recipe is quick and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Pantry & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the chicken: Using the same skillet with the bacon drippings, season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta along with paprika and dried Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Add cream, chicken, and spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, and roughly chopped spinach. Mix until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Finish with bacon: Fold in the reserved crispy bacon just before serving to add smoky crunch and extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can swap penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Make sure to monitor the pasta while cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain an al dente texture.
