Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese with nutritious spinach. Ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients:
8 oz bacon, chopped
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. The bacon grease will add extra flavor to your dish.
Cook the Chicken
Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta:
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, milk, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, baby spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon!
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Freshness: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve with a Side Salad: Complement this hearty pasta dish with a light, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well and balances the richness of the pasta.
Bread on the Side: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any remaining sauce. This makes the meal even more satisfying.
Family Style: Serve the pasta directly from the skillet or pot to keep it warm and maintain the melted cheese’s gooey texture. It also creates a cozy, communal dining experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help maintain the creamy consistency as it heats. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave Reheating: For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze this dish, note that the texture of the pasta and spinach may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the pasta as it can become mushy. Gentle heating is key to retaining the best texture and flavor.
Related Recipes:
- ONE POT MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE
- Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its shape and ability to hold sauce well, you can substitute with other types of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions to ensure it cooks properly in the broth and milk mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with plant-based protein options like tofu, chickpeas, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How can I prevent the cheese from becoming too oily or clumping together?
Great question! To ensure the cheese melts smoothly and evenly, it’s important to add it gradually and stir continuously. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded can also help, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Additionally, make sure the pasta is still hot when you add the cheese, which helps it incorporate better.
What can I do if the pasta is not cooked by the time the liquid is absorbed?
No worries! If the pasta is not fully cooked but the liquid has been absorbed, you can add a bit more liquid (either chicken broth or milk) and continue to simmer until the pasta reaches the desired doneness. Add the liquid gradually to avoid making the dish too soupy, and stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion:
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that will become a staple in your meal rotation. Its rich flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, make it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s sure to impress!
📖 Recipe:
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One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in this delicious One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and nutritious spinach in a creamy, cheesy pasta. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, it’s a family favorite!
Ingredients
8 oz bacon, chopped
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, milk, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, baby spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape if desired.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
