Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

The Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This all-in-one pot recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup while delivering a creamy and savory experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish satisfies cravings and impresses everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your time enjoying the meal.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, chicken, and crispy turkey bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Comfort Food: With its creamy sauce and pasta, this dish embodies comfort food at its best—satisfying and filling for any appetite.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Here are the essential items you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for cooking everything in one pot, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking and mixing of ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach:

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Protein

• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Other Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the turkey Bacon

First, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon.
* Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove turkey bacon from pot and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken

In the same pot with residual turkey bacon fat:
* Add olive oil if needed.
* Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
* Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once chicken is cooked:
* Stir in minced garlic and garlic powder.
* Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Pasta

Add penne pasta into the pot:
* Pour in enough water (or broth) to cover the pasta by about an inch.
* Bring to a boil, then reduce heat; simmer until pasta is al dente (around 10-12 minutes).

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

After pasta is cooked:
* Stir in the reserved turkey bacon.
* Adjust seasoning as needed.

Now you’re ready to serve this creamy delight! Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach hot from the pot.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach can elevate your meal experience. This dish is rich and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining occasion.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Add a Sprinkle of Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the dish just before serving to add a creamy, savory finish.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crispy Garlic Bread: Offer slices of garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Include a Green Salad

• Simple Mixed Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette can complement the richness of the pasta.

Offer Extra turkey Bacon

• Crispy turkey Bacon Crumbles: Serve additional crispy turkey bacon on top for those who want an extra crunch and flavor.

Pair with Wine

• White Wine: A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with this rich pasta dish.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

To ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach comes out perfectly every time, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the penne from becoming mushy when combined with the creamy sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach will provide more vibrant flavors than their dried counterparts.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to add more or less cream based on how rich you want your sauce.
• Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps thicken the sauce.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or turkey for variation while keeping the same creamy base.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

Complement your main dish of Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach with these delightful side dishes. They will balance out the richness and add variety to your meal.

1. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted in olive oil and garlic for a simple yet elegant side.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, perfect alongside pasta.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a crunchy contrast to creamy pasta.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella offers a refreshing bite.
5. Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a colorful appetizer.
6. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Mix seasonal vegetables sautéed lightly in soy sauce for a healthful addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect dish.

• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the penne too long, it can become mushy. Always check the package instructions and cook until al dente.
• Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and pasta properly can lead to bland flavors. Use salt and pepper generously at each stage of cooking.
• Using raw spinach: Adding spinach directly without cooking it may result in a tough texture. Sauté it briefly to retain its color and enhance its flavor.
• Forgetting to adjust cream: If you add too much cream too quickly, the sauce may become overly rich. Gradually incorporate cream while stirring for the best consistency.
• Skipping garlic preparation: Not mincing or properly preparing garlic can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Take the time to mince fresh garlic for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

• Use a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or cream in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach?

Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach is a delicious one-pot meal combining tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach tossed with penne pasta.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use turkey turkey bacon instead of pork turkey bacon or swap out penne for other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini for variety.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain pasta, reducing the amount of cream, or adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

The total time for preparing Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach is about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It’s perfect for any occasion—dinner parties or family meals. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken turkey Bacon Penne with Spinach is a comforting one-pot dish that brings together mouthwatering flavors for a satisfying meal. With tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh spinach enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce tossed with al dente penne pasta, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also minimizes cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Serve it garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same pot, sauté chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until browned on all sides (5-8 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add penne pasta and enough water or broth to cover by an inch. Bring to a boil then simmer until al dente (10-12 minutes).
5. Mix in reserved turkey bacon and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 95mg