Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta! This mouthwatering dish combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and nutritious spinach with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
To make this delectable Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of pasta (your choice of shape)
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 slices of bacon
– 2 cups of fresh spinach
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
7. Remove from heat and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or add more flavors to your Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta, here are a few variations you can try:
– Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.
– Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
– Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.
Tips
Follow these tips to make the most out of your Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta:
– Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
– Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well with this recipe.
– To save time, you can cook the bacon and chicken in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of bacon, the tenderness of chicken, and the freshness of spinach. With its creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken right before serving.
Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish filled with savory chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a rich and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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8 ounces pasta (your choice of shape)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 slices bacon
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2 cups fresh spinach
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, drain excess grease, crumble into small pieces.
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in the same skillet until fully cooked, then thinly slice.
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Add minced garlic to the skillet, cook until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Reduce heat, pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
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Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper as needed.
