Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken and bacon with the freshness of spinach. The creamy Alfredo sauce ties everything together for a delicious meal. Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they are no longer pink in the center. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Bacon:
   • Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
   • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
   • Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Make Alfredo Sauce:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the butter and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon for a vegetarian version, or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Asiago, to add a unique twist to the Alfredo sauce.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and color.

This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, bacon, and spinach in a creamy Alfredo sauce!