One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Bacon Zucchini Noodles
This skillet chicken with bacon in a creamy sauce is paired with zucchini noodles, although traditional pasta is also a great alternative. If you prefer pasta, simply replace the zucchini noodles with an equivalent amount of cooked pasta. We find that this dish pairs wonderfully with a Caesar salad.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 4 cups cooked and drained zucchini noodles
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Pat chicken dry with paper towels; toss with seasoning mixture.
- Fry bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crisp and nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons bacon fat. Chop bacon; set aside.
- Fry chicken in bacon fat in the hot skillet over medium heat until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate; keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes. Pour in cream and bring to a boil. Stir in ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Add spinach; cook and stir until spinach wilts, 1 to 2 minutes. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet; stir in chopped bacon and zucchini noodles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through, 3 to 4 minutes; season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese to serve.
Notes
Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese usually contains an anti-caking agent which may cause the sauce to break. Freshly grated Parmesan from a block of cheese is recommended.
Nutrition
Calories: 714kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 37gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1644mgPotassium: 1406mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 383mgIron: 5mg
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