Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 slices bacon; 12 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta; 2 cup diced tomatoes; 3 cup baby spinach; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup Heavy cream; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; fresh basil

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a silky garlic cream sauce. It is rich, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough to serve to guests.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time35 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3
bacon
6 slices
spaghetti or angel hair pasta
12 oz
diced tomatoes
2 cup
baby spinach
3 cup
garlic
2 cloves
extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp
Heavy cream
0.5 cup
grated Parmesan cheese
0.3 cup
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or angel hair until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.

In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Move it to a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into bite-size pieces. Carefully pour off about half of the bacon fat, leaving the rest in the pan for flavor.