If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, this Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is your new best friend. The creamy garlic sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the savory bacon and juicy chicken add an irresistible richness. Fresh spinach and tomatoes bring balance, making this a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a delicious dinner for yourself, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite.
With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a garlicky cream sauce, this dish feels decadent without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy nights when you crave something comforting but don’t have much time to spare. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress everyone around the dinner table.
What Makes This Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce Special?
-
Creamy, Flavor-Packed Garlic Sauce: The sauce is made from scratch using garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, giving it a rich and smooth texture.
-
Savory Bacon and Tender Chicken: The bacon provides a crispy, smoky crunch, while the chicken remains juicy and perfectly cooked, adding a savory base to the dish.
-
Wholesome Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes not only add a pop of color but also pack in healthy nutrients, balancing the richness of the sauce.
-
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
-
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, substituting the bacon, or adjusting the creaminess of the sauce.
Ingredient Notes
-
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and lean protein. If you prefer, thighs can be used for a juicier option.
-
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness. If you’re looking to reduce fat, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute.
-
Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this dish. It wilts beautifully in the cream sauce and adds a vibrant green color.
-
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal. Their sweetness contrasts perfectly with the savory bacon and creamy sauce. You can also use diced Roma tomatoes for a more subtle flavor.
-
Heavy Cream: The key to a rich, smooth sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, but the sauce may not be as creamy.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan will work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. It provides the aromatic base for the sauce.
How To Make Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce
-
Prepare the Pasta: Cook 8 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
-
Cook the Bacon: In a large pan, cook 4 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
-
Sauté the Chicken: Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same pan, add a little oil and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice it into strips or cubes.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
-
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, bacon, spinach (about 2 cups), and chicken into the pan with the cream sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, then serve immediately.
Storage Options
-
Room Temperature Storage: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but if you must leave it out, don’t keep it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
-
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Freezing: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
-
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
-
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and chicken, and replace with more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add some tofu for protein.
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
-
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic sauce for an extra kick.
-
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes and cream.
-
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or opt for gluten-free pasta if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
-
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon, sauce, and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
-
What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream alternative.
-
How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating? Make sure to cook the sauce on low heat after adding the cream and cheese. High heat can cause the cream to curdle.
-
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, Parmesan is key, but you could use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Try it today and share your results in the comments below.
Print
Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
-
2 chicken breasts
-
4 slices bacon
-
8 oz pasta
-
2 cups fresh spinach
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
-
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Set aside.
-
Sauté chicken in the bacon pan until golden brown, then slice.
-
Sauté garlic, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
-
Add cream and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
-
Toss in pasta, bacon, spinach, and chicken. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
-
Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 40g