Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne Pasta; 1 lb Chicken Breast; 6 slices Bacon; 5 oz Fresh Spinach; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1 small Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Medium

30min

750kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken, crispy bacon, and wilted spinach in a garlic parmesan cream sauce.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is the ultimate definition of comfort food, bringing together savory flavors in a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. If you are looking for a dinner that feels luxurious but comes together quickly, this recipe is your answer. The foundation of the dish starts with crispy, salty bacon, which renders its fat to provide a smoky base for searing the juicy chicken breast. By using the same pan, we ensure that none of those delicious browned bits go to waste, building layers of flavor that simply cannot be replicated. The sauce itself is a masterpiece of simplicity, utilizing heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan to create a luscious texture that perfectly balances the earthiness of the spinach and the aromatic punch of sautéed garlic and onion. It is a 30-minute meal that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian bistro. This dish is versatile enough to be served over the penne pasta you have in your pantry, or even alongside roasted potatoes. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy date night dinner, this creamy chicken skillet hits all the right notes of protein, healthy greens, and indulgent dairy. It is a fantastic way to use up fresh ingredients like spinach and cream before they expire, transforming fridge staples into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

340 g Penne Pasta
450 g Chicken Breast
6 slices Bacon
150 g Fresh Spinach
240 ml Heavy Cream
60 g Parmesan Cheese
1 small Onion
3 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 60ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
2
While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
3
Season the chicken breast (cut into bite-sized chunks) with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breast to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
4
Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil if the pan is dry. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
6
Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
7
Return the cooked chicken breast and bacon to the skillet. Toss in the cooked penne. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
8
Season with extra black pepper and serve immediately.