Zesty Chicken & Bacon Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this chicken and bacon pasta recipe that blends savory flavors perfectly.

Crispy bacon pieces dance alongside tender chicken chunks in a luscious garlic cream sauce.

Bright tomatoes and fresh spinach add vibrant color and nutritional punch to every forkful.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and rich, robust flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners never looked so tempting or tasted so incredible.

This simple yet elegant dish is about to become your new go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Why Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes Is a Hit

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add different vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Packed with protein from chicken and bacon, this creamy pasta delivers a hearty meal that fills everyone up quickly and deliciously.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Follow straightforward steps to create a restaurant-quality dish without advanced culinary training, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet throughout the cooking process, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Chicken and Bacon Pasta in Garlic Cream

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary meat in the dish and provides a hearty flavor.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and rich taste that complements the chicken and enhances the overall dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the cream sauce.

• Pasta: Acts as the foundation of the dish and absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs that contribute depth to the dish.

• Tomatoes, Spinach, Garlic: Add freshness, color, and nutritional value to the pasta.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.

How to Prepare Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Cook chicken thoroughly on both sides until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the same skillet and bring to a boil.

Immediately add Parmesan cheese and reduce heat.

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Chopped tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper

Stir until spinach begins to wilt.

Mix in a portion of sliced chicken and half the cooked bacon.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions.

Drain thoroughly once done.

Step 5: Combine and Reheat

Gently mix pasta into the skillet with sauce.

Warm on low heat.

Top with remaining chicken and bacon.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Bacon Pasta

• Cut chicken against the grain for tender, juicy pieces that melt in your mouth, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce without lumps or separation.
• Add spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, keeping nutrients and crisp texture intact.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming soft and soggy.
• Drain excess bacon fat to prevent greasiness and ensure a crisp texture that complements the creamy pasta sauce.

Flavor Variations for Chicken and Bacon Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use tempeh bacon or coconut bacon for smoky flavor, maintain cream sauce and vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour, ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to the cream sauce, replace bacon with prosciutto or pancetta, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reduce cream quantity, increase vegetables, use turkey bacon for lighter protein option.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper on top for an enhanced cheesy, zesty kick.
• Family-Style Serving: Present the pasta in a large shared platter, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion with extra bacon and chicken on top.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy, rich pasta dish and add freshness to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of chicken and bacon.

Storing Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the pasta cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Gently stir until heated through, preventing sauce separation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap the pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work great and will hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes crushed red pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can reduce or omit the pepper if you prefer a milder flavor or adjust to your spice tolerance.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetarian bacon alternatives or omit bacon completely. The cream sauce and vegetables will still create a delicious meal.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use less Parmesan cheese, and choose leaner bacon or turkey bacon to reduce overall calories and fat content.

Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and bacon pasta combines hearty flavors in one delightful Italian-inspired dish. Silky sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken meld perfectly, offering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken (skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins)
• 6 bacon strips (cooked, drained off fat, and chopped)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 10 oz (283 g) penne pasta (for gluten-free version, use gluten-free brown-rice penne)
• 5 tomatoes (medium, chopped in large cubes)
• 3 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup cooked spinach
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil – combined)
• salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided into ½ cup for sauce and ½ cup for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in olive oil at medium-high heat for 4 minutes on first side. Season uncooked side with paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Flip and cook additional 3 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover chicken, and continue cooking until center is no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a warm plate and set aside.
3. Pour heavy cream into the same skillet and bring to rapid boil. Immediately add Parmesan cheese, reducing heat to low-medium. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 1-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate chopped tomatoes, fresh spinach, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper into the cream sauce. Stir on medium heat until spinach wilts and integrates into the sauce.
5. Add one-third of sliced chicken and half the cooked bacon to the sauce. Gently mix all ingredients and remove from heat.
6. Simultaneously, boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions, typically 10-15 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly.
7. Combine pasta with sauce in the skillet, reheating on low temperature. For serving, top with remaining chicken strips and bacon pieces.
8. Finish dish by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting crushed red pepper for those who love heat or prefer milder flavors.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian alternatives while maintaining creamy sauce texture.
• Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish.
• Cook bacon separately and drain thoroughly to reduce excess grease and achieve crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 595 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg