Ingredients
Scale
Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 12 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, but adds a lovely pop of color)
Feel free to experiment with substitutions—swap spinach with kale or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delightful meal:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add diced chicken to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, recipe, cooking, food
