Creamy Chicken, Bacon & Spinach Pasta in Cheesy Garlic Sauce
This Creamy Chicken, Turkey Bacon & Spinach Pasta is a rich, comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy Turkey bacon, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a velvety garlic cheese sauce. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something indulgent but easy to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
Salt, for boiling water
6 strips Chicken Turkey bacon, chopped
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes, optional
2–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped Turkey bacon until crispy. Remove Turkey bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, crispy Turkey bacon, and fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6
- Calories: Approximately 560 kcal per serving