Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne with Spinach
Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne with Spinach is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. This one-pot wonder is not only quick to prepare—taking less than 30 minutes—but also perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The rich flavors of garlic and cheese meld beautifully, making it a favorite among both picky eaters and seasoned food lovers. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6 slices of bacon (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- In the same pot, add olive oil, then add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute before stirring in chopped spinach until wilted.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked penne pasta and reserved bacon back into the pot; mix well.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and garlic powder on top, stirring gently until melted.
- Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg