Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dish that won over my husband on one of our first date nights at home. He’s a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes” guy, but the moment he took his first bite of this creamy, bacon-loaded pasta, he was hooked. Now, it’s our go-to meal for cozy nights in, and even our picky toddler devours every bite (especially when we sneak in extra spinach!). It’s become a family tradition to make this on Sundays, and the aroma of sizzling bacon and garlic fills our home with warmth and love. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!
Why This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne:
- Creamy, Dreamy Alfredo Sauce: Made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is rich, velvety, and utterly indulgent.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The smoky bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach create a harmony of flavors that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
- Customizable: Easily swap in gluten-free pasta or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love, especially with the hidden veggies!
Ingredients:
(Serves 4)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 oz) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil)
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 oz) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g / 1.7 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese (plus an extra 1/2 cup for serving)
- 5 medium tomatoes (about 500 g / 1.1 lb), coarsely chopped
- 3 cups (90 g / 3.2 oz) fresh spinach (or 1 cup if using cooked spinach)
- 5 cloves garlic (15 g / 0.5 oz), minced
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 strips bacon (180 g / 6.3 oz), cooked, drained of fat, and chopped
- 10 ounces (280 g / 0.6 lb) penne pasta (use gluten-free brown rice penne if needed)
Directions:
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 minutes on one side. Season the uncooked side with paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. - Add Vegetables and Bacon:
To the sauce, add the chopped tomatoes, spinach, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir over medium heat until the spinach wilts. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add 1/3 of it to the skillet, along with half of the cooked bacon. Remove from heat. - Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions (10-15 minutes) until al dente. Drain well. - Combine and Reheat:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Return to low heat and gently reheat. Stir in the remaining bacon and chicken strips. - Serve:
Garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Substitutions: Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce. Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular penne with gluten-free brown rice penne.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
- Nutritional Info: This dish is high in protein and calcium, thanks to the chicken and Parmesan cheese. For a lower-calorie version, use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of heavy cream.
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy! 😊