That sounds delicious! Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne:
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta: 12 ounces
- Chicken breasts: 2, boneless and skinless
- Bacon: 6 strips
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: (optional) for a bit of heat
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of chicken broth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked penne, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates or bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne! It’s a creamy, savory dish that’s sure to be a hit.