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Quick & Creamy Tomato Bacon Chicken Pasta: Your 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner Delight

Are you searching for a delicious, satisfying, yet incredibly quick dinner that comes together in a flash? Look no further! This Creamy Tomato Bacon Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect answer to your weeknight meal dilemmas. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, crispy, smoky bacon, and sweet, sun-kissed tomatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, all generously tossed with your favorite pasta. This indulgent dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly efficient, designed to be ready from start to finish in just about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that the entire family will adore, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of savory bacon, lean chicken, bright tomatoes, and a luxurious creamy sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Get ready to add this quick, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta to your regular meal rotation!

Creamy Tomato Bacon Chicken Pasta ready to serve

5 from 1 vote

Tomato Bacon Chicken Creamy Pasta – 20 Minute Dinner

By:

Julia Pacheco

A rich and creamy pasta loaded with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet tomatoes comes together in one pot for a quick but indulgent meal. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering gourmet flavor in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Prep:

3
minutes

Cook:

20
minutes

Total:

23
minutes

Servings:

5
servings

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Bacon Chicken Pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how quick and easy home cooking can be without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Here’s why this dish will become a fast favorite in your kitchen:

**Lightning Fast:** From prep to plate in around 20-23 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal.
**Irresistibly Flavorful:** The combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, bright tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce creates a complex flavor profile that delights the palate.
**One-Pot Wonder (Almost!):** While the pasta is cooked separately, much of the magic happens in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making your cooking experience smoother.
**Family-Friendly:** This creamy pasta dish appeals to almost everyone, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit different preferences.
**Versatile & Adaptable:** Easily customize with your favorite vegetables, different proteins, or various pasta shapes. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients before you begin cooking will make the entire process smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll need for this incredibly flavorful creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta:

▢

4
strips
bacon,
cut into small pieces (for smoky flavor and crispy texture)
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1
chicken breast,
sliced thin in half horizontally (ensures quick and even cooking)
▢

1
tsp
salt,
divided (to season both chicken and sauce)
▢

½
tsp
pepper,
divided (for a balanced seasoning)
▢

½
tsp
garlic powder
(enhances chicken flavor)
▢

10
oz
Cellentani pasta,
or any other shaped pasta like rotini or penne (holds sauce well)
▢

1
tbs
butter
(for sautéing and richness)
▢

1
tbs
minced garlic
(fresh is always best for maximum aroma)
▢

14
oz
can diced tomatoes
(undrained, for a bright, tangy base)
▢

1
tsp
paprika
(adds depth and a beautiful color)
▢

1
tsp
Italian seasoning
(a blend of herbs for classic Italian flavor)
▢

2
cups
fresh spinach
(adds freshness and nutrients, wilts quickly)
▢

1 ½
cups
heavy cream
(for that irresistible creamy texture)
▢

1
cup
parmesan cheese
(freshly grated for best flavor and melt)

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping, creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta in under 20 minutes. Each instruction is designed for maximum flavor and efficiency.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta, such as Cellentani or any other shaped pasta, and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later. Cooking the pasta while you prepare the other components will save you time.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon. While the pasta cooks, heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully crispy and deeply golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Rendering the bacon fat is crucial for developing the foundational smoky flavor of our sauce. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing it to drain any excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet – this flavorful fat will be the base for cooking our chicken and building the rich sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Pat the thinly sliced chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with a dash of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken is evenly browned for maximum flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes on a clean cutting board, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside with the crispy bacon.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic. Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling gently, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 20-30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. It’s important to be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can quickly turn bitter and affect the taste of your entire dish.
Step 5: Build the Tomato & Spinach Base. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, for extra moisture and a bright, tangy flavor. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, the remaining salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with concentrated flavor. Now, add the fresh spinach. Continue to stir gently until the spinach wilts down completely, which typically takes just 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach will add a lovely color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Step 6: Finish the Creamy Sauce & Combine. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Do not bring it to a rolling boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Once simmering, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a luxurious, thick consistency. Return the cooked chicken pieces, crispy bacon, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this delightful creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta!

Tips for Success with Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

To ensure your 20-minute creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Mise en Place: This French culinary term means “everything in its place.” Because this recipe is so quick, having all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking is crucial. Chop your bacon, slice your chicken, mince your garlic, and open your cans beforehand.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente, meaning “to the tooth.” It should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Quality Ingredients Matter: While a quick meal, using good quality bacon, fresh chicken, and real Parmesan cheese will significantly elevate the flavor of your dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before adding the pasta. You might need to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, especially after adding the cheese.
Keep Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s a chef’s secret weapon for loosening up a too-thick sauce without diluting the flavor. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Even Chicken Slices: Slicing your chicken breast thin and evenly ensures it cooks quickly and uniformly, preventing dry spots.

Variations & Substitutions

This creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

Different Protein: Instead of chicken, try shrimp, thinly sliced pork tenderloin, or even Italian sausage (cook and crumble before adding to the sauce). For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding more vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes (halved), or even some frozen peas or broccoli florets (added with the spinach) would be delicious.
Pasta Alternatives: Any shaped pasta works wonderfully here. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow-ties), or even spaghetti can be used. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option.
Cheesy Swaps: While Parmesan is classic, a blend of Italian cheeses, Pecorino Romano, or even a touch of cream cheese can add different dimensions to the sauce.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Herb Alternatives: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped and stirred in at the very end, will add a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and creamy pasta dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but you can easily complement it with a few simple sides:

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Quickly roasted vegetables can add more nutrients and a pleasant texture to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Have leftovers? This creamy tomato bacon chicken pasta stores and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep!

Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation and is based on a single serving.

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