Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Pasta
Imagine sitting down to a plate of Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Pasta. Where every forkful. Promises a taste of home-cooked comfort. Blended with the finesse of Italian cuisine. This dish is a heartwarming symphony. Of tender, herb-seasoned chicken. Crispy bacon, and fresh spinach. All nestled within al dente penne. Coated in a creamy, rich Alfredo sauce. It’s not just a meal. It's a moment of joy. A gathering of flavors. That feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you're celebrating a special day. Or simply need to wrap up a long week. With something special. This recipe brings the love. And warmth of family dining right at your table. Inviting smiles. Conversations. And contented sighs with every bite.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast large
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning a combo of thyme, oregano, & basil
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 4 bacon strips
- 3/4 pound penne pasta
Alfredo:
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 c half and half
- 1 + 1/3 c Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 c cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 c spinach uncooked
Instructions
- Prep the Parmesan: Shred your Parmesan cheese. And let it sit out. To reach room temperature.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Over medium-high heat.
- Butterfly the chicken breast. To make it thinner. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet. Until each side is golden brown and cooked through. About 3-5 minutes per side. Then, set it aside.
Crisp the Bacon:
- In the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. And cook the bacon until crisp.
- Remove the bacon. And drain on a paper towel. But keep about 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the skillet.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet. And cook for about a minute.
- Stir in the flour. And cook for another minute.
- Warm the half and half in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then gradually whisk it into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high. Until the sauce lightly bubbles. Then reduce to low.
- Slowly add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the red pepper flakes (if using). Cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Cook until the tomatoes are slightly softened. And the spinach wilts.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce in the skillet. Ensuring it’s well coated.
Finish and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips. And arrange them on top of the pasta in the skillet.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over everything.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
To transform this Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Pasta recipe. Into a gluten-free feast. Simply choose a gluten-free penne pasta. Options abound. From rice to quinoa. And lentil varieties. Each adds a unique twist to your dish. Additionally, replace the all-purpose flour in the Alfredo sauce. With a gluten-free alternative. Like chickpea flour, rice flour. Or a pre-mixed gluten-free flour blend. Ensuring the sauce remains thick. And creamy. Without the gluten. This adaptation. Not only makes the dish accessible. To those with dietary restrictions. But also invites an exploration of the rich variety of gluten-free ingredients. Adding an extra layer of creativity. And inclusivity to your culinary adventures.