A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, bacon, spinach, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Stir in the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, zesty flavor.
You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.