Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—juicy seared chicken, smoky bacon, tender spinach, and pasta all tossed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, chopped
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cream Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove and set aside, leaving 1–2 tsp bacon grease in the pan.
3. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
4. Saute Garlic & Spinach
In the same pan, add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the cream and chicken broth (or pasta water), bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add bacon and chicken back to the pan.
6. Combine
Toss in cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Optional: top with more cheese or red pepper flakes.
Chef Tips & Notes:
Pasta Choices: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold sauce best.
Make it Lighter: Sub half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas.
Meal Prep: Great for reheating—add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just slice and warm it through in the sauce before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Try using unsweetened almond milk + a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It freezes okay, but cream sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat slowly and stir well.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Total Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 580mg