If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe is just what you need. This recipe brings together tender chicken pieces, crispy smoky bacon, and fresh spinach all coated in a luscious, velvety cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends without sweating it in the kitchen. Once you try this dish, it’s going to become your go-to when you want a filling, flavorful meal that feels special yet comes together with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the magic of this dish. From the smoky crunch of bacon to the fresh green of spinach and the rich swirl of cream, every component adds layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe unforgettable.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Use your favorite shape like penne or fettuccine for the perfect cream-sauce catch.
- 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces: Provides crispy smoky bursts that elevate the entire dish.
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds just enough warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Flour, for dredging: Helps create a lightly crisp coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the cream sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty kick to balance the richness.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth: Builds a savory, flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the lush, creamy texture that defines this pasta recipe.
- 2 cups (packed) baby spinach: Offers a pop of vibrant green and a subtle earthy note.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste): The finishing touch that adds a nutty, savory richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — salt is your friend here, helping to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so it holds its bite against the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, but keep it warm.
Step 2: Crispy Bacon Perfection
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high and add the chopped bacon. Fry until each piece is beautifully crispy and golden, releasing luscious smoky fat that will infuse flavor into every bit of this dish. When ready, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat but keep the rendered fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder and lightly coat them in flour. This step is a tiny trick that creates a nice exterior on the chicken, helping it brown well and also aiding the sauce’s thickness later on.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in Bacon Fat
Reduce the heat to medium and gently cook the chicken pieces in the reserved bacon fat. You want to sear the outside so it’s just starting to lose its pinkness, but it shouldn’t be fully cooked through at this stage. This partial cooking locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce
Into the same skillet, add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Scrape up all those browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom because that’s pure flavor gold right there. Stir until the mustard dissolves and the broth begins to simmer.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the pan, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and soak up every bit of that creamy goodness.
Step 7: Add Fresh Spinach and Season
Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt just enough to soften but stay vibrant green. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, remembering that the cheese will add some salty depth later.
Step 8: Toss Pasta and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle generously on top — that final flourish makes all the difference.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated parmesan isn’t just an option, it’s a must. For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cracked black pepper on top. If you like a slight crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes make fantastic garnishes that add a bit of excitement.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan and a little extra bacon on top. Drizzle a touch of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an elevated look and taste. You can also layer it in a beautiful casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the luscious texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and the cream smooth. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with almost any pasta shape—fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just pick your favorite or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream, and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare the chicken and bacon in advance?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken and bacon earlier in the day, then reheat and combine with the sauce when you are ready to serve. It saves time and makes this recipe even easier for busy evenings.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the spinach, or stir in a small slurry of flour and water. Remember, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools too.
What can I add to make this recipe more vegetable-packed?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers when sautéing the chicken. These additions boost nutrition and bring exciting flavors and colors to your Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining familiar flavors into one truly comforting and satisfying plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, its ease and richness will make you look like a kitchen rockstar. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall as in love with this cozy, creamy delight as I have!
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with crispy bacon and fresh spinach, all tossed in a rich sauce made from chicken broth, cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon. The pasta is cooked al dente and mixed with the flavorful sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that balances protein, greens, and indulgent creaminess.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Meat and Protein
- 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasonings and Coating
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Vegetables
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
Toppings
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon pieces. Fry until they are crispy and browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Prepare the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with garlic powder and dredge them lightly in flour to coat.
- Sear the chicken: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked through, just a few minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on the same plate as the bacon.
- Make the sauce base: Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Cook for a minute until the Dijon mustard dissolves and the mixture combines well.
- Combine chicken and bacon in sauce: Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce and serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta evenly in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini, for best sauce adherence.
- To reduce fat content, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less bacon.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic along with the Dijon mustard in the sauce step.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken during searing to keep it juicy.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
