Simple Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible chicken bacon spinach penne that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with every tender bite.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta dish.

Juicy chicken strips mingle with vibrant green spinach, creating a perfect balance of protein and greens.

The combination of smoky, salty, and fresh ingredients makes this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this hearty meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 726 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Penne Pasta: Hearty tubes that catch sauce perfectly, choose bronze-cut for extra texture and authentic Italian feel.

• Chicken Breast, Bacon: Lean protein combo that adds smoky depth and satisfying richness, select free-range chicken and thick-cut bacon for superior flavor.

• Garlic, Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh aromatics that create vibrant layers of taste, pick firm tomatoes and crisp spinach leaves for maximum nutrients.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Silky base that transforms simple ingredients into luxurious comfort food, use freshly grated Parmesan for most intense flavor.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright herb garnish that adds color and fresh herbaceous note, select bright green leaves without any wilting.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that elevate every ingredient's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Prep

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating enough space for water.
• Large skillet: Key tool for cooking chicken, bacon, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Plate: Useful for temporarily holding cooked chicken and bacon.

How to Cook Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Step-by-Step

• Pasta Preparation

Boil penne until perfectly tender and drain, setting aside for later blending.

• Chicken Magic

Season and sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden and fully cooked, then set aside to rest.

• Bacon Transformation

Crisp bacon slices in the same skillet, creating delicious flavor base and removing excess grease.

• Aromatic Foundation

Quickly toast minced garlic in remaining bacon drippings, then softly wilt fresh spinach leaves until they become silky.

• Tomato Burst

Introduce cherry tomatoes, allowing them to gently break down and release their sweet juices.

• Creamy Symphony

Create a luxurious sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted Parmesan, whisking until smooth and velvety.

• Final Fusion

Combine all elements – pasta, chicken, bacon, and sauce – tossing gently to ensure every morsel is perfectly coated.

• Elegant Finish

Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Pro Pasta Perfection: Tips to Elevate Your Dish
• Pasta Precision: Cook penne exactly 10-12 minutes for that perfect al dente texture, testing a piece right before draining to ensure it's not too soft or hard.
• Fat Flavor Hack: Save a bit of bacon grease in the pan for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that infuses the entire dish with deliciousness.
• Protein Power Move: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken as a quick time-saving alternative to cooking fresh chicken pieces.
• Veggie Variety Boost: Swap spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different nutritional profile and exciting flavor twist that keeps the meal interesting.
• Cheese Champion: Experiment with different cheese options like sharp pecorino, creamy goat cheese, or smoked Gouda to transform the sauce's entire personality and add unexpected depth.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Perfect Pasta Night Companion: Pair this creamy chicken bacon spinach penne with a crisp garden salad dressed in light vinaigrette for freshness and balance.
• Weekend Dinner Party Delight: Serve in large ceramic bowls with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an impressive yet easy meal for guests.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the dish's savory flavors and cut through the heaviness.
• Quick Side Suggestion: Add garlic roasted asparagus or green beans on the side to boost vegetable intake and provide a nutritious, colorful accompaniment to the pasta.

Storage and Meal Prep Ideas for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken bacon spinach penne in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze meal in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta to prevent soggy texture when thawing. Defrost overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and cook ingredients separately, storing components individually. This allows flexible meal assembly and maintains optimal texture when ready to combine and serve.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon spinach penne delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. Southern Italian culinary traditions inspired this hearty meal that combines rich proteins with fresh greens you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 6 bacon slices (cooked and crumbled)
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh, chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• basil or parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil penne in heavily salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside, preserving its perfect texture.
2. Protein Perfection: Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Bacon Transformation: Crisp bacon in the same skillet, carefully managing rendered fat, and crumble into rustic pieces once achieved.
4. Aromatic Foundation: Utilize bacon drippings to sauté minced garlic, then introduce spinach leaves, wilting them gracefully while adding cherry tomatoes to soften and release natural sweetness.
5. Creamy Fusion: Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, melting Parmesan cheese and butter to create a velvety sauce that coats ingredients with luxurious complexity.
6. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken, pasta, and crumbled bacon with the creamy vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution and sauce coverage.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optional herb embellishment with fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch, presenting a harmonious and indulgent culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Always salt your pasta water generously to infuse flavor from the first cooking stage, creating a more delicious base for your dish.
• Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat, preventing dryness while maintaining tenderness.
• Fat Management Strategy: Drain excess bacon fat but keep enough to build deep, rich flavor profiles without making the dish overly greasy.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Stir Parmesan slowly and steadily into cream sauce to prevent clumping, creating a smooth, silky texture that coats pasta perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 726
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1024 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 176 mg