Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken and bacon with the freshness of spinach. The creamy Alfredo sauce ties everything together for a delicious meal. Here’s a simple recipe for 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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they are no longer pink in the center. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Bacon:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Make Alfredo Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the butter and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, and enjoy!