Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines the richness of grilled or sautéed chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, all served over tender penne pasta. The dish is often prepared with a creamy sauce, typically made from heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, creating a smooth and comforting base that coats the pasta.
The crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch, while the spinach provides a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the dish. The chicken is usually seasoned and cooked to perfection, offering a lean protein to complement the other ingredients. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Some variations may include additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest, depending on personal preferences.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines the richness of grilled or sautéed chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, all served over tender penne pasta. The dish is often prepared with a creamy sauce, typically made from heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, creating a smooth and comforting base that coats the pasta.
In a large skillet, over high heat, cook bacon strips to the desired doneness, remove to paper towels, and drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, without wiping it out, add the oil. Season chicken on one side with half of the paprika and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken, seasoned side down, into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute. While it cooks, season the other side of the chicken with the remaining paprika and Italian seasoning. Flip the chicken over, cook on the other side for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium, flip chicken again, and cook, covered, for several minutes until no longer pink in the middle. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
To the same skillet, add the spinach and allow it to wilt. Once the spinach is mostly wilted, add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, crushed red pepper, 1/3 of the chicken (sliced into thin strips), and half of the bacon. Mix everything.
Add the half-and-half and bring to a boil while scraping the bottom of the pan of any crumbles. Only after the half-and-half begins to boil, add the shredded Parmesan cheese - immediately reduce to simmer and stir, while simmering, until the cheese melts and makes the sauce creamy, only about 1 minute. Then, immediately remove from heat.
In a separate large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and boil until Al dente. Drain pasta, rinse with cold water, set aside.
Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Add the remaining half of the bacon. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Slice the remaining 2/3 of the chicken into thin strips.
To serve, top the pasta and sauce mixture with the remaining chicken strips and grated Parmesan cheese.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
