There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that brings together the heartiness of chicken, the richness of bacon, and the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is one such dish—a symphony of flavors and textures that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week when I was craving something both comforting and quick to prepare. With a young family at home, I needed a dish that would be both delicious and convenient. This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne quickly became a favorite, earning rave reviews from my loved ones. The creamy sauce combined with the crispy bacon and tender chicken created a meal that was not only satisfying but also impressive enough for special occasions.
This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the Penne: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes, but refer to the package for specific timing.
Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.
2. Cook the Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed, and then add the bite-sized pieces of chicken.
Season and Cook: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they are no longer pink in the center and have a golden-brown exterior. This should take about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. It will be added back to the dish later.
3. Prepare the Bacon
Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet used for the chicken, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If the bacon releases a lot of fat, you can drain some of it off, leaving just enough to flavor the dish.
Crumble and Set Aside: Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces. Set the crumbled bacon aside to be added later.
4. Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Sauté the Garlic: Using the residual bacon fat in the skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add Spinach: Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook the spinach until it is wilted and reduced in volume, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
6. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Combine Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese and Butter: Once the mixture is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the unsalted butter and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Combine Ingredients
Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta, chicken pieces, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and everything is evenly distributed.
Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and well combined.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish: If desired, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, straight from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and bacon or replace them with plant-based alternatives. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, Asiago, or even a mix of cheeses can add different flavors and textures to the Alfredo sauce.
Customize Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a celebration of creamy, savory flavors and hearty textures. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy Alfredo sauce makes this dish irresistible. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious, homemade meal.
With its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or exploring the many variations, you’re sure to create a dish that will be enjoyed and remembered. Enjoy the process of making this dish and the joy of sharing it with those you love!
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooking oil for the skillet
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Sauté minced garlic in the residual bacon fat for 1 minute, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and bacon, or use plant-based alternatives; use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with mozzarella, Asiago, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- Customize Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free version.
