This Chicken Bacon and Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a rich garlic cream sauce. Cook the chicken with seasonings, then make a creamy sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add garlic, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and spinach, then combine with pasta and garnish with more bacon and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for later.
Chicken Bacon and Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a rich garlic cream sauce. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
INGREDIENTS
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 1 lb, seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 ½ cups, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Bacon: 6 pieces, cooked and crumbled, adding a smoky flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated, melted into the sauce for added richness.
- Fresh spinach: 3 cups, providing a fresh and nutritious element.
- Tomatoes: 5, chopped, adding juiciness and color.
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp, to enhance the flavors.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for cooking the chicken.
- Penne pasta: 10 oz, cooked to your liking.
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced, infusing the sauce with a rich garlic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp, adding a touch of heat.
- Paprika: 1 tsp, for seasoning the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, shredded, for garnish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on one side, then 3 minutes on the other, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy whipping cream to the same skillet. Stir continuously until the cream thickens. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined, creating a smooth and rich sauce.
- Step 3: Add Vegetables and Bacon
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Add half of the cooked bacon and the chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat well with the sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- While preparing the sauce, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Serve the dish hot, garnished with the remaining bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese.