Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta with Bacon

This pasta dish is perfect for all the chicken, bacon, spinach, and cream lovers out there--the rich creamy sauce is loaded with Parmesan cheese and tomatoes.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 634 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 10 ounces farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 6 strips bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 small tomatoes, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, 10 to 12 minutes. Set bacon on paper towels to drain.

Step 4

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 5

Melt butter in the large skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook until juices start to release, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Mix in paprika, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper flakes. Slowly add cream; bring mixture to a boil. Mix in Parmesan cheese, bacon, chicken, and parsley until well combined. Stir in pasta.