Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne

Ingredients:

8 ounces penne pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook Chicken:

In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they are no longer pink in the center. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare Bacon:

Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach:

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

Add Cherry Tomatoes:

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Make Alfredo Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the butter and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne hot, and enjoy!

Tips:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon for a vegetarian version, or substitute with plant-based alternatives.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Asiago, to add a unique twist to the Alfredo sauce.

Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and color.

This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, bacon, and spinach in a creamy Alfredo sauce!