This hearty pasta dish is loaded with sautéed chicken breasts and crispy bacon. It is so delicious, it will please even the pickiest eaters.
12 oz. spaghetti or angel hair pasta
1 c. reserved pasta water, divided
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon
2-3 cloves garlic
2 c. diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
3 c. baby spinach
1/2 c. heavy cream
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
chopped basil, for garnish
Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Rinse spinach; drain well and pat dry.
In a large pot of well salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain; reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until cooked through, 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board; slice into strips.
In another skillet, cook bacon until crispy; tansfer to a paper towel-lined plate; drain; chop.
Pour off half of the bacon fat/grease and to the skillet add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach; season with salt and pepper. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup pasta water; simmer; add cooked pasta; toss until fully coated. If dry, add a little more pasta water. Simmer for a little bit; stir.
Add chicken and bacon; toss; garnish with basil.
Serve.
4 servings.