Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a flavorful cream sauce.
It has the comfort of a restaurant-style pasta but still feels homemade, warm, and easy enough for a family dinner.
What makes this recipe special is the balance between richness and freshness. The bacon adds smoky flavor, the chicken makes it hearty, the tomatoes bring brightness, and the spinach adds color and freshness. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together, coating the penne beautifully so every bite feels flavorful, comforting, and complete.
Why People Will Love Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne Recipe
It is creamy, savory, and full of comfort: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich sauce that feels smooth, cozy, and satisfying.
The bacon adds deep smoky flavor: Crispy bacon gives the pasta a salty, smoky bite that makes the dish taste more layered and indulgent.
The chicken makes it hearty: Sliced chicken breast adds protein and turns the pasta into a filling main dish.
The spinach and tomatoes balance the richness: Fresh spinach adds color and freshness, while tomatoes release juices that brighten the creamy sauce.
It feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home: The sauce is built in the same skillet with garlic, tomatoes, cream, cheese, chicken, and bacon, giving it a deep homemade flavor.
It has a beautiful mix of textures: Tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, soft spinach, and creamy sauce all come together in one comforting dish.
Key Ingredients
Penne pasta: Penne is perfect for creamy sauces because the tube shape catches the sauce inside and outside each piece.
Bacon: Adds smoky, salty richness and a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Chicken breast: A hearty protein that becomes flavorful when seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before browning.
Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy flavor that balances the heavy cream and cheese.
Tomatoes: Bring natural sweetness, light acidity, and juiciness to the sauce.
Garlic: Builds a warm, savory base and gives the cream sauce more depth.
Heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety body of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream and gives the sauce a salty, nutty, deeply savory flavor.
Paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes: Add warmth, herb flavor, gentle spice, and a more complex taste.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a bright finishing touch at the end.
Expert Tips
Cook the bacon first: Bacon leaves behind flavorful drippings that can help build a deeper taste in the skillet.
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning: Dry chicken browns better and develops a nicer golden crust.
Do not overcrowd the skillet: Give the chicken enough space so it browns instead of steaming.
Let the chicken rest before slicing: Resting keeps the juices inside and makes the chicken more tender.
Cook the garlic gently: Garlic only needs 1–2 minutes. If it burns, it can make the sauce taste bitter.
Let the tomatoes release their juices: Cooking the tomatoes for a few minutes adds brightness and helps create a more flavorful sauce base.
Add Parmesan slowly: Stir it in gradually so it melts smoothly into the cream instead of clumping.
Do not rinse the pasta: The starch on the pasta helps the creamy sauce cling better.
Reserve a little pasta water if possible: If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of pasta water can loosen it while helping the sauce stay silky.
Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Ingredients:
6 bacon strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless and skinless chicken (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
4 small tomatoes (diced)
2 cups spinach
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (more, if desired)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded (more for garnish)
Pasta:
10 oz. penne pasta
2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
BACON: Add bacon strips to the skillet and cook until crispy.
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined platter that will absorb extra grease.
Chop into 1 inch pieces.
CHICKEN: Paper towel dry the chicken and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Then set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet.
Add chicken breasts and cook on each side on medium high heat for about 4 minutes per side (for a total of 8 minutes) until nicely browned.
If chicken is still pink in the center, reduce heat to medium and cook covered for several minutes until no longer pink in the center.
Remove chicken from pan and slice it.
Add butter to the hot pan and once it melts, add chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes on medium high until tomatoes release their juices.
Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
Reduce the heat and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Mix.
Next add heavy cream and slowly add Parmesan cheese – until the cheese melts and makes the sauce creamy.
PASTA: In the meantime bring a large pot of water to boil, add pasta and cook it according to instructions.
Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
Add sliced chicken, bacon and pasta.
Next add chopped parsley.
Stir until fully coated in sauce.
Season with more salt if necessary.
TO SERVE: Serve with additional shredded Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Important Notes When Making Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne
Heavy cream works best for a rich, stable sauce. Milk or half-and-half can make the sauce thinner and less creamy.
Parmesan cheese can be salty, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded Parmesan.
Chicken should be fully cooked before slicing and adding back to the pasta.
The sauce will thicken as it sits, especially after the pasta is added.
If the pasta becomes too thick, add a splash of cream, broth, or reserved pasta water.
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted depending on how spicy you want the dish.
This dish is best served fresh, while the sauce is creamy and the bacon still has some crispness.
How to Enjoy Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne After Cooking
Serve Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne immediately after everything is tossed together. This is when the sauce is at its creamiest, the pasta is tender, and the bacon still has a nice bite.
Spoon the pasta into warm bowls or plates, making sure each serving has pieces of chicken, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, and plenty of creamy sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded Parmesan over the top while the pasta is hot so it softens slightly into the sauce.
For extra flavor, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also makes the dish taste brighter and gives it a fresh finish.
This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad. Because the pasta is rich and creamy, a crisp salad or light vegetable side helps balance the meal.
When eating, try to get a little of everything in each bite: pasta coated in sauce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, spinach, tomato, and Parmesan. That combination gives the best balance of richness, freshness, and savory flavor.
For leftovers, reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals. Add a splash of cream, milk, broth, or pasta water to bring the sauce back to a smooth texture.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 690 kcal | Total Fat: 42 g | Saturated Fat: 21 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 145 mg | Sodium: 780–1,050 mg, depending on bacon, Parmesan, and added salt | Total Carbohydrates: 43 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 4 g | Protein: 36 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne pasta with your preferred pasta shape such as fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to regular bacon.
Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the dish.
Adjust the quantity as needed.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides a richer and creamier texture, you can substitute it with milk, but the sauce may be lighter in flavor and consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and chicken.
Increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding more tomatoes or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon instead of cooking it fresh.
Simply heat it up before chopping it into pieces and adding it to the dish.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream instead of heavy cream.
However, keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Sauté them along with the garlic and spinach.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy the dish immediately after cooking, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a bit of additional liquid or cream when reheating.