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Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

This creamy, flavor-packed Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a luscious Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Course, Pasta Dish
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 678 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 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 chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken pieces with salt and pepper for 6-8 minutes until golden-brown and they reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy. Drain some of the fat if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside.
  • Using the bacon fat, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, then add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth, then stir in butter.
  • Add cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is perfect with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth to 165°F.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 678kcalCarbohydrates: 46.5gProtein: 47gFat: 42.3gSaturated Fat: 24.3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 797mgFiber: 2.9gSugar: 3g
Keyword chicken bacon spinach, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner