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 Busy Mom's Weeknight Winner: Spicy Chicken Pasta
Let's be honest, folks. Weeknights are a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending mountain of laundry, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner feels like a Herculean task. That's why I've developed a go-to recipe that's both quick and incredibly flavorful: Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas. It's a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes adds a delightful zing, while the creamy sauce and crispy bacon provide a luxurious touch. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel pampered, even if you're racing against the clock.
Why this recipe is my go-to:
- Speed: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Simplicity: Minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Flavor: A perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to your preferences (add veggies, different cheeses, etc.).
I often find myself making double batches on busy weekends so I can have quick, satisfying meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day! It's also a great recipe to involve the kids in. Older children can assist with chopping veggies or stirring the sauce. It's a great way to teach them some basic cooking skills while creating a fun family activity.
Beyond the Dinner Table:
This Spicy Chicken Pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a versatile dish with many uses. It's fantastic for potlucks, office parties, or even a casual get-together with friends. The leftovers make a satisfying lunch the next day, and can even be repurposed into a delicious pasta salad. Imagine it served cold, with extra bacon and a bright lemon vinaigrette – perfect for a picnic or a summer barbecue!
I've received numerous compliments on this recipe, and it consistently receives rave reviews from my family and friends. Everyone loves the perfect blend of textures – the tender chicken, the perfectly cooked pasta, the burst of fresh peas, and the satisfying crunch of the bacon. The slightly spicy kick makes it exciting and keeps everyone coming back for more.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your busy schedule, remember this recipe. It's a lifeline for busy moms (and dads!) who crave a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing precious time. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! I'd love to hear your variations and adaptations.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Enjoy!
