Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Recipe

This creamy, savory Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta is made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ready in 30 minutes. The rich parmesan sauce perfectly coats every noodle and freshly wilted spinach leaf. I always make this when I need a fast, comforting dinner on a busy weeknight.

Why This Classic Works

Combining chicken and bacon in a cream sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but getting the texture right is key. I used to cook the chicken and bacon together, which unfortunately resulted in soggy bacon.

Now, I crisp the bacon first and use the flavorful fat to pan-fry the chicken breasts. This simple change builds a deeply savory foundation for the sauce while keeping the bacon pieces perfectly crisp until serving.

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How To Make Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on a paper towel.
3. Sear the Chicken: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet, add the chicken pieces, and cook until golden and cooked through.
4. Build the Sauce: Lower the heat, add minced garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in heavy cream, parmesan, salt, and pepper until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and Serve: Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, then toss with the cooked pasta and crispy bacon.

Recipe Tips

• Reserve pasta water: Keep a splash of starchy water to help thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Use fresh spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and has a much better texture than frozen spinach for this fast dish.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-bagged parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your cream sauce grainy.

What To Serve With Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta

Serve this rich pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the heavy cream. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are also excellent for soaking up the remaining parmesan sauce.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the cream sauce back together. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy will separate.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but you will need to whisk in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce properly.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely, boneless skinless chicken thighs stay very juicy and work perfectly in this dish.

What other pasta shapes work best?

Rotini, farfalle, or ziti are great options because they grab onto the thick cream sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 35g

Try More Recipes:

• Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
• Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe