Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

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

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Medium

30min

780kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A rich and savory pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken breast and crispy bacon in a parmesan cream sauce with wilted spinach.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights, bringing the restaurant experience right to your dining table without the hassle. If you are looking for a meal that marries the savory crunch of salty bacon with the tender juiciness of pan-seared chicken, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon. The magic begins with rendering the bacon fat, which creates a flavor-packed foundation for searing the chicken breasts to golden perfection. As you build the sauce, the combination of rich heavy cream, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic garlic creates a velvety texture that coats every bite. The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also brings a necessary earthy balance to the richness of the dairy, ensuring the dish feels hearty yet fresh. Served over al dente penne pasta, this dish transforms simple pantry staples and fridge essentials into a gourmet masterpiece. Whether you are cooking for a romantic date night or feeding a hungry family, this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Bacon promises to be a crowd-pleaser that minimizes waste by utilizing your fresh produce and proteins efficiently. Get ready to indulge in a sauce so good, you'll want to lick the spoon!

Ingredients

500 g Chicken Breast
6 slices Bacon
150 g Spinach
240 ml Heavy Cream
350 g Penne Pasta
60 g Parmesan Cheese
1 small Onion
3 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Salted Butter
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 60ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
2
While the water heats, chop the bacon into small pieces. Add to a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of fat in the pan.
3
Season the chicken breast pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add butter and olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sear the chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
7
Return the cooked chicken breast and crispy bacon to the sauce. Toss in the cooked penne pasta. If the sauce is too thick, splash in the reserved pasta water.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or black pepper if desired.

Chef's Tips

•If you don't have fresh garlic, use 1 tsp of garlic powder from your pantry.
•Cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks before cooking can speed up the process.
•For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you have them.