Have you been looking for an easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy your taste buds and leave your family asking for seconds? This chicken and bacon pasta with spinach and zucchini combines the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the freshness of spinach and zucchini, creating a low carb meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Are you wondering how something that sounds this good can be low carb and only require one skillet? Let’s get cooking!
Pasta for Dinner
This recipe originated in 2019 when my brother and I traveled around Europe for almost three weeks. Towards the end of our adventuring, we found ourselves in the tiniest Parisian apartment, with a handful of ingredients from the local food market. This included the grocery staples: a baguette, a few blocks of cheese, pasta noodles, a variety of vegetables, and a bottle of red wine.
Within thirty minutes, I turned our little space into the most delicious dinner spot. Our meal started with al dente noodles, thinly sliced zucchini, a variety of grated cheeses, and was topped with sliced chicken breast and crumbled bacon. This was a savor every bite, eyes closed to focus on the flavors, “Wow, we have to make this again!” kind of dinner.
This pasta dinner has been a rotation meal for years and always brings me back to that time spent in Paris with Cage. Fast forward almost five years and I have fallen in love with a low carb version of the same recipe from first created in Paris.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 bags of Palmini angel hair pasta
- 4 slices of bacon
- 3 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 2 large zucchinis, finely sliced
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried basil, oregano, parsley
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking.
Instructions in 4 Steps
Step 1: Cooking the Bacon + Greens
1. In a medium-sized skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel, set aside.
3. Drain *most* of the bacon grease, keep about a tablespoon in the pan.
4. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced zucchini to the pan with the bacon tidbits and oil. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
7. Use the same pan to sauté the diced onion and minced shallot until soft, set aside in a separate bowl from the zucchini.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, and parsley.
2. In a skillet used for the bacon and veggies, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts.
3. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Preparing the Creamy Sauce
1. In the blender, add ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup cottage cheese, cooked onions + shallot, and a splash of cream (I used almond milk).
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
1. Return the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and Palmini pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Hold crumbled bacon to top dish at the end.
2. Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
4. Top with crumbled bacon and additional parmesan cheese.
5. This serves 4 but the recipe can easily be doubled (or tripled).
Why You Will Love This Dish
This chicken and bacon pasta recipe is a winning combination of textures and flavors. The tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce create a rich and hearty base, while the fresh spinach and zucchini add an extra dose of green nutrients. Here are a few more reasons to love this dish:
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or choosing an alternative pasta.
Easy Preparation: This dish may look and taste gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike can’t resist the irresistible combination of bacon and creamy sauce.
Leftovers?: This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day. I always make this for myself and Jack, and we eat it for lunch the next day.
Conclusion
This low carb chicken and bacon pasta with spinach and zucchini is a must-try for every foodie. Its blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability, makes it a go-to choice for a low carb dinner at home. Grab your apron, queue an “Italian Dinner” playlist on Spotify, and get cooking. Bon appétit!
xxx
Allie
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