Hello foodies! It’s Liliane here. Today, I’m bringing you a lunchtime marvel that combines everything we love about comfort food: Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne.
Imagine tender penne pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, complemented by crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and the subtle freshness of spinach. This dish is not just hearty and flavorful; it’s also an absolute crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.
Whether you’re planning a family lunch or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s dive into the details and create a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 6 slices bacon (diced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice lovers)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to boost the flavor of the pasta. After cooking, drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make sure to use a large pot of salted water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. After cooking, carefully drain the penne pasta and set it aside to use later in the recipe.
2. Prepare the Bacon
Warm up a large skillet and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil, setting the heat to medium. Add the diced bacon and cook until it turns golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
3. Sauté the Chicken
Using the same skillet, add the cubed chicken to the bacon fat. Coat the chicken well with salt and pepper to bring out its flavor. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. This step adds a vibrant green element to the dish while boosting its nutritional value.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. To add some extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
6. Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne to a serving dish or individual plates. Top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve right away. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a side salad or garlic bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: By cooking everything in one skillet, you save time and minimize cleanup. Perfect for busy weekdays!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Customizable: Swap penne for your favorite pasta or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. This recipe is versatile and easy to tweak.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it can finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Choose Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it beforehand.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: Cooking the chicken in bacon fat adds an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor.
Fun Facts About Spinach
Did you know that spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A, C, and K? Adding spinach to your meals not only boosts the flavor but also packs in essential nutrients that keep you energized. It’s a superfood that’s as versatile as it is healthy.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out this delightful lunch, serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne with:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad that complements the rich pasta.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Try a sparkling lemon iced tea or a classic virgin mojito for a refreshing touch.
I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I was to create it for you. The Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a true lunchtime star, combining comfort and sophistication in every bite. It’s dishes like these that make cooking a joy and sharing meals with loved ones even better.
Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t forget to share pictures of your creation! Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious meal.