Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a creamy, savory pasta dish that hits all the right spots. Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is the perfect blend of flavors that will leave you coming back for more. Imagine crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all wrapped up in a velvety garlic cream sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it an ideal meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish

This pasta recipe has all the components of a fantastic meal: protein, veggies, and a rich sauce. The combination of chicken and bacon gives it a satisfying, hearty feel, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness. The tomatoes bring in a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the cream sauce. The garlic cream sauce ties everything together, giving the dish a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this savory chicken and bacon pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or any kind of tomato you prefer)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite kind)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously, as this will flavor the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, saving a little bit of the pasta water to add to the sauce if needed later.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they’re crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside.

In the same skillet, use the bacon drippings to cook the chicken breasts. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice it into thin strips.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook until it wilts. Toss in the tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to soften them.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Now, add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic, spinach, and tomatoes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the vegetables and garlic.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. Finally, add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon, mixing everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a glass of white wine. The creamy, garlicky goodness is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Bacon Pasta

• Customize Your Veggies: While spinach and tomatoes are delicious in this dish, feel free to swap them out for other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• For Extra Creaminess: If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese to thicken it up.
• Use a Quality Pasta: Since pasta is the base of this dish, choose a good-quality pasta that will hold up well in the sauce. Fresh pasta or whole wheat pasta can also be great alternatives for a twist on this classic recipe.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!

Why This Dish is Perfect for Every Occasion

This Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of dish that you can serve for a casual weeknight dinner, or even dress up for a special occasion. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that combines the best of chicken, bacon, vegetables, and a rich garlic cream sauce, this pasta is the one to try. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh, making it a family favorite in no time. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table that everyone will love.