Here’s a delicious recipe for Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, and cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
This dish is packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.