One Pot Chicken Bacon Spinach Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Chicken Bacon Spinach Parmesan Pasta—a rich and creamy pasta dish that's both hearty and easy to make. This recipe combines tender, golden-browned chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious parmesan-infused sauce with baby spinach for a pop of freshness. The best part? It's all cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze! Perfectly seasoned penne pasta is simmered to al dente perfection in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring every bite is infused with savory goodness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it piping hot with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, and watch it become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces dry penne pasta
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large, deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 2

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon and set it aside with the chicken. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (discard excess if needed).

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Add the dry penne pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the baby spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Step 8

Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 9

Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2463.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4624.7

Total Fat 234.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 113.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 915.0mg	0%
Sodium 10251.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 279.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 323.6g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 2939.4mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 3568.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 24.7%