Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

Instructions

1. 1
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. 2
   In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3
   Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet, add chicken and cook over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. 4
   Add olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. 5
   Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add spinach and tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
6. 6
   Return cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken to skillet. Toss to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. 7
   Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.