Bookmark
This creamy chicken bacon pasta with spinach and tomatoes is my go-to when I want a dinner that feels both cozy and satisfying but does not take all night. With plenty of juicy chicken and crispy bacon folded into penne and smothered in a garlic cream sauce, it is one of those meals that gets everyone excited to gather around the table. Even picky eaters cannot resist the velvet sauce and pops of sweet tomato with tender greens.
I first made this when the fridge was nearly bare except for some leftover bacon and a bag of spinach. My family started calling it “comfort in a bowl” and now it appears every couple of weeks.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: helps brown the chicken and keeps it juicy use a high-quality extra virgin for best results
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or tenderloins: cooks quickly and stays moist air-chilled or organic will offer extra flavor
- Paprika: brings color and a gentle smokiness sweet or smoked both shine
- Italian seasoning: gives that unmistakable herb flavor pick a blend heavy in oregano and basil
- Salt: brings everything together adjust to taste as you go
- Heavy cream: makes the sauce rich and silky always grab the freshest you can
- Parmesan cheese: the heart of Alfredo fresh grated melts smooth and bold
- Tomatoes: for juicy bursts of sweetness select ripe and firm for balance
- Fresh spinach: for nutrition and color baby spinach is especially tender and blends seamlessly
- Garlic: delivers savory depth mince fine for even flavor
- Red pepper flakes: for a background heat adjust to your spice level
- Bacon: smoky and crisp thick-cut offers the perfect bite
- Penne pasta: holds onto sauce beautifully brown-rice pasta gives a gluten-free option
- Extra Parmesan cheese to finish: for that signature Italian flair
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry then season with paprika Italian seasoning and salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and let it create a deep golden crust on one side for about four minutes before flipping. Cook the second side for three more minutes then cover and turn heat low until just cooked through and no pink remains inside. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- Pour heavy cream into the same skillet and gently bring to a boil just until it simmers and starts to thicken. Stir in fresh Parmesan right as it simmers and lower heat stirring steadily. Watch as the cheese melts into a smooth creamy sauce which should take one to three minutes.
- Combine Vegetables and Protein:
- Add chopped tomatoes spinach finely minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir on medium heat until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Add back a third of the chicken slices and half the bacon making sure the pieces are coated and warmed through. Take the skillet off the heat.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a generous sprinkle of salt. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente following the package directions. Drain thoroughly so the pasta will grab every bit of sauce.
- Bring It All Together:
- Toss the cooked pasta straight into your skillet. Stir over low heat letting the sauce and pasta mingle and warm through. Everything should be glossy and evenly coated.
- Finish and Serve:
- Top the pasta with the rest of your chicken and bacon. Sprinkle over plenty of extra Parmesan while hot so it melts and adds that crave-worthy finish.
Baby spinach has become my secret weapon for getting greens onto my kids’ plates. The moment it melts into the sauce and brightens the whole pan even spinach skeptics grab seconds. For us this dish quickly became a reunion favorite and a wintertime staple.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep for three days in the fridge tucked in an airtight container. Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce which keeps it silky. If prepping ahead wait to add extra Parmesan and fresh spinach until reheating for the freshest texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs make the sauce even richer and are forgiving if you overcook a few minutes. Turkey bacon gives a lighter touch if desired. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly but drain it well so the sauce sticks as intended. Mushrooms or sliced zucchini added with the tomatoes bring even more savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
A big green salad or roasted broccoli on the side adds crisp freshness. Serve with Italian bread or focaccia for plenty of sauce mopping. Try this alongside a glass of Pinot Grigio or a splash of sparkling water with lemon for balance.
Cultural Context
You will find similar creamy chicken and bacon pastas in both Italian-American kitchens and northern Italy though this particular sauce borrows from both Alfredo and carbonara traditions. Bringing in spinach and tomato makes this feel modern and fresh while keeping the comforting heart of a classic pasta dinner.
This creamy pasta always disappears fast so double the recipe if you want leftovers. Share it with friends and you will be the hero of any potluck.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne is ideal for holding sauce, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta you have.
- → How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Blend fresh Parmesan into hot, just-boiling cream and stir constantly. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, cook the sauce and chicken ahead, then reheat gently with cream before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- → Are there alternatives to spinach?
Try baby kale, Swiss chard, or arugula as flavorful greens to swap for spinach. Add at the same step in the method.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with added cream or milk.