Description: This one-pot cheesy chicken pasta is a creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight meal. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious cheese sauce. All cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- One-Pot Wonder: The entire dish, from start to finish, is cooked in a single pot, minimizing dishes and simplifying your cooking routine.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory bacon, juicy chicken, earthy spinach, and rich cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can swap out the protein, vegetables, or cheese to create your own unique variation.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even picky eaters will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness of this pasta dish.
Introduction
In the realm of weeknight dinners, efficiency and flavor reign supreme. We crave meals that are quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and require minimal cleanup. This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon checks all those boxes and more. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace of cheesy goodness that’s perfect for those days when you need a little extra TLC.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. It’s a blank canvas upon which you can paint your culinary desires. Want to add a kick of spice? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Craving a different vegetable? Swap out the spinach for broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless.
But let’s be clear, even in its simplest form, this recipe is a winner. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, wilted spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a creamy cheese sauce, is simply irresistible. And the fact that it all comes together in one pot? That’s just the cherry on top. So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bacon, chopped: Bacon is the foundation of this dish, adding a smoky, salty depth of flavor that permeates every bite. Choose your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, applewood-smoked, or classic hickory.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Chicken provides a lean protein source and a blank canvas for absorbing the surrounding flavors. Dicing the chicken ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, becoming tender and juicy in the process.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: These essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and balance the overall taste of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that complements the other flavors perfectly. Feel free to substitute with fresh minced garlic if you prefer, adding it to the skillet along with the chicken.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture and richness to the dish. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content and avoid an overly salty final product.
- 1 cup milk: Milk contributes to the creaminess of the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture. Whole milk will result in a richer sauce, but you can use lower-fat milk for a lighter option.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Penne pasta is a classic choice for this dish, its tubular shape and ridged surface perfectly capturing the creamy sauce. However, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrients to the dish. Baby spinach is tender and mild in flavor, making it a perfect addition to this recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is essential to the cheesy goodness of this pasta dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that elevates the sauce to another level.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish, making it visually appealing and aromatically enticing.
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large skillet or pot (at least 5 quarts), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This step renders the bacon fat, which will be used to cook the chicken and add flavor to the entire dish. Ensure the bacon is evenly cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet. This rendered bacon fat is liquid gold, infusing the chicken and pasta with its smoky, savory goodness.
Step 3: Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Be generous with your seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned.
Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: 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. This step allows the pasta to cook directly in the broth and milk, absorbing the flavors and creating a creamy sauce as it cooks. Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6: 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. Stir constantly to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the spinach wilts without overcooking.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a satisfying and comforting weeknight meal.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Reheat leftovers for lunch the next day.
Tips:
- Use a large skillet or pot to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute the spinach with other vegetables, such as broccoli or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Bacon is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and efficient cooking techniques. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So, the next time you’re craving a cheesy, delicious, and hassle-free meal, look no further than this one-pot wonder. You won’t be disappointed!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While penne pasta is a classic choice for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes may have slightly different cooking times, so be sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly. The key is to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Q2: I don’t have any chicken broth. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. However, using chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor of the dish, adding a richness and depth that might be missing with other liquids. If you’re using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or some dried herbs to boost the flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly make it ahead of time if needed. However, keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it might become a bit drier. To combat this, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: I don’t like spinach. What else can I use?
A: No problem! The spinach can be easily substituted with other vegetables of your choice. Broccoli florets, chopped mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even kale would be great additions to this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the vegetable you’re using.
Q5: Can I add some heat to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you’re looking to add a little kick to this cheesy pasta dish, there are several ways to do it. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chicken and bacon, or you can use a spicy Italian sausage instead of regular bacon. Alternatively, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the finished dish, or even sprinkle some chili powder into the cheese sauce.
