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Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach tossed with penne pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of thyme, oregano, and basil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 strips of bacon
3/4 lb. penne pasta

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
1 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Add-Ins:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

Prepare the Parmesan Cheese:
- Shred the Parmesan cheese and let it sit at room temperature for best melting results.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Butterfly the chicken breast and slice it into two thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 3-5 minutes per side, without moving it, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat to medium if the pan gets too hot. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the bacon to the same skillet. Cook slowly until crispy on both sides. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the bacon cooks, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for about 60 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in the flour until well combined, then temper the half and half by microwaving it for 30 seconds. Slowly add it to the skillet, stirring constantly.
- Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to bubble lightly, then reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts.
- Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta.
Assemble and Serve:
- Slice the chicken into strips and place it over the pasta. Crumble the bacon on top and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The rich Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s ready in under an hour.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite veggies or proteins.

Tips

Room Temperature Cheese: Using room-temperature Parmesan ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Cooking Bacon: For evenly crisp bacon, cook it low and slow.
Pasta Cooking: Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency, if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Vegetable Additions: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Lighter Option: Use milk instead of half and half and turkey bacon for a lighter dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: The pasta and sauce can be frozen, but the texture of the spinach and tomatoes may change slightly after thawing.

Serving and Suggestions

Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Occasions: Ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep for the week. This pasta dish is always a hit!