Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Once cool, slice the chicken into thin strips.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
   • Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
   • Add the sliced chicken and cooked bacon to the pasta. If using baby spinach, stir it in until wilted.
   • Continue to cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the creamy chicken and bacon pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade creamy chicken and bacon pasta!