A comforting meal featuring penne pasta with chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This cheat meal is delicious and perfect for a cozy dinner.
1: In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat.
2: Butterfly the chicken breast to create 2 thinner slices, each about an inch thick. Season each side with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3: Sear the chicken in the skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add bacon to the skillet. Cook until crispy, then remove from the pan, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease.
5: Add garlic to the grease and cook for about 60 seconds.
6: Gradually add flour, whisking constantly. Temper the half and half in the microwave for 30 seconds and add it to the skillet, stirring constantly until it bubbles.
7: Decrease heat to low, mix in Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, spinach, and red pepper flakes.
8: Gently fold in the penne pasta.
9: Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle on top before serving.
