Chicken Bacon Pasta Spinach: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Sichuan Spicy Dumplings, or “Chao Shou” as they’re known in Sichuan, are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary experience that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked dumplings swimming in a vibrant, chili-infused sauce that dances between numbing and fiery. Are you ready to embark on a flavor adventure?

These delectable morsels boast a rich history deeply intertwined with Sichuanese culture. Originating in the bustling streets of Chengdu, Sichuan Spicy Dumplings were initially a humble street food, quickly gaining popularity for their bold flavors and satisfying texture. They represent the essence of Sichuan cuisine: a harmonious blend of spice, aroma, and umami.

What makes these dumplings so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the silky smooth dumpling wrapper, the savory filling, and the luscious, tongue-tingling sauce. The sauce, a complex concoction of chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices, is the star of the show. People adore this dish not only for its incredible taste but also for its relative ease of preparation. While making dumplings from scratch might seem daunting, this recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken and Bacon

1. First things first, let’s get that bacon crispy! Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crunchy. I usually do this in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it up. Set it aside for later.
2. Now, for the chicken. In the same skillet (no need to clean it yet – we want all that bacon flavor!), add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Building the Sauce

1. Time to build that creamy, dreamy sauce! In the same skillet (yes, still using that bacon-flavored skillet!), add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are called “fond” and they add tons of flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for a minute or two to deglaze the pan.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining Everything

1. While you’re working on the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package directions. I like to cook it al dente, which means it’s still slightly firm to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when you add it to the sauce.
2. Before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It helps to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
4. Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach will cook down quickly, so don’t overcook it.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Serve the chicken bacon spinach pasta immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta, such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use different cheese: Instead of Parmesan cheese, try using Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, tangy flavor to the pasta.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Prep ahead: You can cook the bacon and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the pasta. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well. Cook it al dente for the best results.
• Taste as you go: Be sure to taste the sauce as you’re making it and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always give you the best flavor. Use fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for the most delicious results.

Why this recipe works:

This chicken bacon spinach pasta recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, savory bacon, tender chicken, and healthy spinach is simply irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to make this recipe with ease. The detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you every step of the way. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy sauce, the smoky bacon, the tender chicken, and the vibrant spinach all come together in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food elevated, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, whole wheat pasta is a fantastic choice. And for those who are gluten-free, there are so many delicious gluten-free pasta options available these days that you won’t even miss the wheat!

Looking for serving suggestions? This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta perfectly. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re a cheese lover, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top before serving. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also swap out the spinach for other leafy greens, such as kale or arugula. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

For those who want to make it even easier, you can use pre-cooked chicken or bacon. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, and pre-cooked bacon crumbles will save you even more time. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I’ve made this Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or even a potluck with friends. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. After all, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. So, go ahead, give this Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!