Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Pine Nuts
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne. Tender strips of boneless chicken breasts marinated in key lime and spices, combined with sautéed shallots and garlic, create a flavorful base. Sun-dried tomatoes infuse the dish with a rich, tangy sweetness, while a creamy sauce enriched with fat-free half-and-half adds a luxurious texture. Crispy bacon bits and toasted pine nuts lend an irresistible crunch, making every bite a treat. Served with vibrant baby spinach, this pasta dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that the whole family will love. A perfect choice for a cozy dinner in under an hour. Enjoy this delectable dish and elevate your weeknight meals!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (sliced into strips)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (separated)
salt
1/8 teaspoon
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
key lime
1 (squeezed)
bacon
10 slices (cooked crispy and crumbled)
penne pasta
1/2 lb
medium shallot
1 (approximately 1/2 cup, chopped)
large garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
sun-dried tomatoes
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (drained and chopped, separated)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon
chicken stock
1 cup
fat-free half-and-half
1 cup (warmed)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
fresh Baby Spinach
3 ounces
pine nuts
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, drizzle the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the key lime over the chicken and toss gently to coat. Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.
2
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and crumble; set aside, leaving a little rendered fat in the pan.
3
While the bacon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
4
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5
Stir in 3/4 cup of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
6
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the chicken stock until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the skillet, then add the warmed half-and-half. If desired, add cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add water if the sauce is too thick.
8
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
9
Add the fresh baby spinach to the chicken sauce, stirring gently until wilted.
10
Combine the cooked penne with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce, tossing until well coated.
11
Serve the pasta in a large dish, garnished with toasted pine nuts, crumbled bacon, and any remaining sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
25g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this dish?
The main protein is 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips.
How many calories are in a serving of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne?
There are 350 calories per serving.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of penne pasta.
How much bacon do I need?
You need 10 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
What ingredients are used to marinate the chicken?
The chicken is marinated with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and the juice of one key lime.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for approximately 15 minutes.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1 medium shallot (about 1/2 cup chopped) and 4 large chopped garlic cloves.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes prepared for the dish?
You use 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which are added in two separate stages.
What is used to thicken the creamy sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a mixture of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 cup of chicken stock.
What type of dairy is used for the cream base?
The recipe uses 1 cup of warmed fat-free half-and-half.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be slightly spicy if you choose to include the optional 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What type of spinach is used and how is it prepared?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of fresh baby spinach, which is stirred into the sauce until wilted.
What is the serving size or yield for this recipe?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the recipe uses 1/2 lb of pasta and 3 chicken breasts, intended for a family meal.
What are the garnish ingredients?
The dish is garnished with 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts, crumbled bacon, and a bit of sun-dried tomatoes.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 18g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 23g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to toast the pine nuts?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts for the best flavor and crunch.
How long does the chicken take to cook in the skillet?
The chicken should be cooked until browned and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Can I use regular lime if I don't have key lime?
While the recipe specifies key lime, a regular lime can be used as a substitute for the marinade.
Should the half-and-half be cold when added?
No, the recipe recommends using 1 cup of warmed fat-free half-and-half to ensure a smooth sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 16 different ingredients.
Is the chicken cooked in the bacon fat?
Yes, the chicken and aromatics are cooked in the skillet with a little rendered bacon fat and olive oil.
How much salt and pepper is used for the chicken?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper to season the chicken.
How long should the aromatics be sautéed?
The shallots and garlic should be sautéed for 1 to 2 minutes until they are fragrant.
When is the pasta added to the dish?
The cooked and drained penne is added at the end, tossed with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce until well coated.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar information?
No, the nutritional data for fiber and sugar is not provided in the source.
How long does the sauce need to simmer after adding the dairy?
After adding the stock mixture and half-and-half, cook for an additional 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, chicken, creamy sauce, spinach, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, quick and easy, comfort food, and dinner recipe.