Like many people, you probably have a favorite type of food and you eat it when you possibly can. It is something we refer to as comfort food because it gives us a nostalgic feeling that brings us comfort.
For some, having chicken or pasta is at the top of their list when it comes to comfort food. A combination of the two, especially when it is cheesy and creamy is certainly going to be something we love.
That is why we love this creamy chicken pasta recipe so much.
The meal is easy to make because you prepare it on top of the stove. The garlic, cheesy sauce is creamy and it blends perfectly with the bacon, chicken, and penne pasta. It’s the ideal meal and it all comes together with very little preparation work and it’s a breeze to clean afterward.
Ingredients
5 slices Bacon
1 pound Chicken Breasts (2 each), sliced
12 oz Penne Pasta cooked al dente
1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
5 oz Baby spinach
4-5 small Tomatoes
2 cups Parmesan shredded
5 cloves Garlic minced
2 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
½ teaspoon Chili Flakes
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove, drain on a paper towel and chop. Drain grease from the pan and reserve.
2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease back to the pan. In batches, so as not to crowd the pan, add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika and chili flakes. When the chicken is cooked and no longer pink, remove it from the pan and set aside. Continue cooking in batches until all the chicken is cooked and set aside.
3. Add the spinach and tomatoes to the skillet and cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, then add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta, chicken and bacon back into the skillet. Stir to evenly mix.
6. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to absorb and thicken.
7. Serve with additional shredded Parmesan and chili flakes, if desired.
