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### Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce: A Comfort Food Favorite
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful meal, **Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce** is a perfect choice. This dish brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a rich garlic cream sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up at home for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Packed with Flavor**: The combination of savory bacon, garlic, and a creamy sauce makes this pasta dish irresistible.
2. **Full of Fresh Ingredients**: Spinach and tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
3. **Easy to Make**: With simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
#### Ingredients You’ll Need
– 8 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 strips of bacon, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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#### Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Cook the Bacon**
1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove and place on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
**Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce**
1. Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well blended.
**Step 5: Add the Spinach and Tomatoes**
1. Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired.
**Step 6: Combine Everything**
1. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well combined. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Dish up the pasta into bowls or plates, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade pasta dish.
#### Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Bacon Pasta
– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
– **Don’t Overcook the Chicken**: To keep the chicken juicy, cook it just until it’s no longer pink in the center, and then set it aside before adding it back into the pasta.
– **Add Some Heat**: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
#### Variations to Try
1. **Add Mushrooms**: For an earthy flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms in the bacon grease before making the garlic cream sauce.
2. **Swap the Pasta**: Use different types of pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or spaghetti to mix things up.
3. **Make it Gluten-Free**: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version of this dish.
#### Conclusion
**Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce** is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables makes it a meal that satisfies on every level. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress someone special with a delicious homemade dinner. Give it a try, and enjoy the comfort and flavor that this dish brings to the table!