🍗🧄 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach & Crispy Bacon 🍝🥓
This one-skillet pasta brings the creamy, garlicky vibes with seared chicken, fresh spinach, crispy bacon bits, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. It’s giving comfort food with a little chef’s kiss 💋✨
📌 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, butterflied or halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
10 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings:
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt & pepper.
Sear in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and slice.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce:In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt & pepper. Let it thicken slightly.
4. Combine It All:
Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach. Stir gently until spinach wilts and everything’s coated in that creamy goodness 😍
Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle on those crispy bacon bits.
5. Serve It Hot:Garnish with parsley and serve straight from the skillet with garlic bread or a side salad if you're feelin' extra 💅
😍 Pro Tip:
Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for a Tuscan twist 🌞🍄. Want more kick? A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick 🔥