Pasta with Chicken Spinach Pine Nuts Bacon and
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, Pine Nuts, and Bacon recipe—an indulgent combination of savory and creamy flavors. Perfectly cooked pasta, tender bites of chicken, and crispy bacon are tossed with sautéed baby spinach, toasted pine nuts, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while chopped parsley offers a fresh finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, this dish is a satisfying crowd-pleaser, ideal for cozy family dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Keywords: pasta with chicken, spinach pine nuts recipe, pasta with bacon, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 third-cup pine nuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
In the same skillet, add the pine nuts. Toast them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove the pine nuts and set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. Season with half the salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. If needed, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and toasted pine nuts to the skillet. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3754 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 261.4 g | 335% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.0 g | 430% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 51.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 753 mg | 251% | |
| Sodium | 5082 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.0 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 228.8 g | 458% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1144 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 2357 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
