This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne brings together crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce in a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for any dinner table.
The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch, balancing the richness of the sauce and bacon. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the combination of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky elements all in one bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cups spinach, fresh
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, mixing it in with the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne: A Delicious Comfort Meal
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the richness and satisfaction of a creamy pasta meal. Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne combines savory flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients to create a perfect dish for any time of year. This comforting recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you’re simply in the mood for a delicious homemade meal. Packed with protein, greens, and plenty of flavor, this recipe is both easy to make and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
The Allure of Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
What makes Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne so irresistible is its incredible combination of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty touch that complements the tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce. The spinach not only adds color and freshness but also brings a nutritious element that balances out the richness of the dish. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that works for both casual family dinners and more refined dinner parties. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: it’s quick to prepare but doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
The Perfect Pasta for This Dish
Penne pasta, with its tube-like shape, is the ideal pasta to pair with this dish. Its ridges help to hold the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. While you can swap in other types of pasta, penne offers a substantial texture that stands up well to the hearty ingredients. Cooking the penne to al dente perfection ensures it provides a nice bite without being too soft. When mixed with the creamy sauce and chicken-bacon-spinach combination, it creates the perfect base for the dish.
Why Chicken and Bacon Are a Match Made in Heaven
Chicken and bacon are a classic pairing for many reasons. The mildness of chicken, with its slightly neutral flavor, allows the bold, smoky taste of bacon to shine through. The combination brings both depth and balance to the dish. As the bacon crisps up in the pan, it releases its natural oils, which infuse the chicken with flavor. When these two proteins are combined with the cream and spinach, they create a rich, savory flavor profile that makes each bite more delicious than the last. This pairing is not only comforting but incredibly satisfying, especially when topped with freshly grated Parmesan.
The Role of Spinach in the Dish
Spinach is a perfect addition to Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne for several reasons. First, it provides a vibrant green color that brightens the dish, making it visually appealing. But beyond aesthetics, spinach is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate. By adding spinach to the dish, you’re not only enhancing its flavor but also boosting its nutritional value. The spinach wilts beautifully in the warm skillet, absorbing some of the flavors from the bacon and chicken while maintaining its fresh taste. Its subtle bitterness pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce, offering a slight contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.
The Creamy Sauce That Ties It All Together
The creamy sauce is the star of Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne. Made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, it creates a luscious, velvety base that envelops the pasta and ingredients. The richness of the cream is balanced by the sharp, nutty flavor of the Parmesan, creating a sauce that is both indulgent and comforting. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a subtle heat, elevating the flavors of the dish without overpowering them. This creamy sauce acts as a binding element, bringing all the ingredients together and ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. It’s creamy enough to satisfy your cravings but light enough not to overwhelm the dish.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best aspects of Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is its versatility. While the recipe as written is fantastic, it lends itself well to customization based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily swap it out for other greens like kale or arugula. You can even add other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor. The dish can also be made with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions. For an extra touch, you can top the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, adding both color and freshness. The possibilities are endless, and the dish is easily adaptable to suit your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is also an excellent option for meal prep. Since it’s easy to make in large batches, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for several days. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in minutes. The flavors only get better as they sit, allowing the pasta and sauce to soak up even more deliciousness. This makes it a great option for busy weeks, especially when you want something hearty and comforting but don’t have the time to cook from scratch every day.
Perfect Pairings
This dish can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread for an extra dose of flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon can help cleanse the palate. For beverages, a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy elements of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is always a refreshing choice.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Its combination of chicken, bacon, spinach, and creamy sauce creates a balanced dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The dish is simple to prepare, yet its flavors are complex and mouthwatering, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, its versatility allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences. This is a recipe that will not only fill your stomach but also bring comfort and warmth to your home, making it a meal worth savoring.