Creamy Chicken Penne with Bacon and Spinach: A Saucy Affair in Your Skillet

Introduction

Get ready to twirl your fork into pure bliss with this Creamy Chicken Penne! Loaded with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and velvety spinach all hugged by a rich tomato-Parmesan sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The best part? You can whip this up in under 40 minutes, and it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. So, grab your skillet and let’s get saucy!

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Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 strips of bacon (crispy is key, people!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 4 small tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen if you want to skip the wilting drama)
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter, yet still dreamy sauce)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 12 oz penne pasta
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Directions

1. Bacon Bliss: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy enough to make you weak at the knees. Set aside on a paper towel to drain the grease and cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: Save a little bacon fat for flavor!
2. Sizzling Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest before slicing into juicy strips.
3. Let’s Get Saucy: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant (this is where the magic starts). Toss in the diced tomatoes and let them release their juices for 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted – it’ll shrink like your favorite pair of jeans in the dryer!
4. Season & Cream It Up: Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy), and salt. Stir it up, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer until it’s nice and thick, but don’t boil it or you’ll end up with curdled dreams.
5. Cheesy Goodness: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring. Keep things low and slow until your sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste it – if it doesn’t make you swoon, add more cheese!
6. The Big Finale: Add your cooked penne, sliced chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan because, why not?
7. Serve & Devour: Dish it up and serve with extra red pepper flakes for those who like to walk on the wild side.

Side Dish Ideas

This creamy penne pairs perfectly with:

• A crisp Caesar salad
• Garlic breadsticks for some extra carb love
• Steamed broccoli for a pop of green

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories1059 kcalTotal Fat67g (103% DV)Saturated Fat33g (206% DV)Cholesterol241mg (80% DV)Sodium1027mg (45% DV)Carbohydrates64g (21% DV)Fiber5g (21% DV)Protein50g (100% DV)Vitamin A4656 IU (93% DV)Vitamin C26mg (32% DV)Calcium422mg (42% DV)Iron3mg (17% DV)

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Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a one-pan dish that’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Penne is a winner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time. So go ahead, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your taste buds with a pasta dish that’s anything but ordinary!