Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, savory delight that will have your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Dive into the details and discover how to create a pasta dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken, cooked and diced
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of cooked bacon (chopped), 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken, 1/2 cup of cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it is crispy. If the bacon is already cooked, just warm it up in the skillet.
- Once the bacon is crispy, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the bacon and garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon, chicken, and garlic mixture.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes, mixing everything together.
- Pour in the cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This ensures it retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality bacon. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! This starchy water can help adjust the consistency of your sauce if it turns out too thick.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different twist on this recipe.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a restaurant-style finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
