Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Try this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe.
Try this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 pound chicken breast skinless and boneless, halved horizontally
- 8-10 oz penne pasta (use gluten free pasta for gluten free
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (i used hunt's)
- 8 slices bacon cooked drained of fat, chopped
- Carbohydrate 11.2926521890318 g
- Cholesterol 129.241529256643 mg
- Fat 26.969833259096 g
- Fiber 2.73508749570735 g
- Protein 40.9570963606902 g
- Saturated Fat 12.4528041448118 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (247g)
- Sodium 489.453736078731 mg
- Sugar 8.5575646933245 g
- Trans Fat 1.79638523752023 g
- Calories 456 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut chicken breast horizontally in half, to make it thinner.
- Season both chicken breast halves generously with salt and also with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon dry basil - on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on high-medium heat in a large skillet. Add seasoned chicken breast halves and cook on one side for about 3-4 minutes on high-medium heat.
- Flip the chicken over to the other side and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, cover with the lid and let the chicken sit in the skillet off heat - it will continue cooking.
- After about 10-15 minutes, the chicken should be fully cooked and no longer pink in the center - remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into cubes. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add peas to pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes - cook on medium heat for 1 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dry basil, stir and bring to boil - immediately reduce to simmer and simmer for 10 minutes, covered.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir to melt until cheese is completely melted and the sauce thickens - 30 seconds.
- With heat on simmer, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add cooked and rinsed pasta, peas, cooked sliced chicken, and half of chopped cooked bacon to the sauce. Mix to combine.
- If you cooked pasta in salted water, if you seasoned chicken generously with salt and used canned tomato sauce - there is really no need to add salt at this point as everything should be just perfect. Nevertheless, taste your final pasta and add salt if necessary.
- Top with the remaining half of chopped bacon
A Weeknight Winner: Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a monumental task. I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, taste amazing. This Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and leaves everyone happy and full, even the pickiest eaters in my family.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a perfect blend of savory and spicy, with the creamy tomato sauce complementing the crispy bacon and tender chicken beautifully. The peas add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, making it a visually appealing meal as well. I often double the recipe because leftovers are always a welcome sight the next day. They are great for lunch or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. My teenage son has even started requesting it!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. I’ve used penne, rotini, and even gluten-free pasta with great success. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, start with a quarter teaspoon and add more to taste. The key is to find the perfect balance that satisfies your palate. I always keep a good supply of pantry staples like canned tomatoes and frozen peas on hand, making it super convenient to whip up this dish on short notice. That's crucial when life gets busy.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers a satisfying and balanced meal. The chicken provides lean protein, the pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, and the vegetables and healthy fats contribute important nutrients to keep the family going through the day's activities. It's a perfect option for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend gathering with friends and family. The vibrant colors and the delicious aromas make it a meal that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. I often find myself making this on those nights when I need a quick meal that feels both nourishing and delicious. It really is a go-to recipe in our house.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Pasta Type: Experiment with different pasta shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work well.
- Veggies: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese: Try different cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a different taste profile.
- Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, assemble the pasta just before serving.
This Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe has become a staple in our household. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family enjoys. I encourage you to try it out and see for yourself! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
