One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Bacon Zucchini Noodles

This creamy skillet chicken with bacon uses zucchini noodles, but pasta will also work well. Substitute an equal amount of cooked pasta for the zucchini noodles, if you like. We like this with Caesar salad.

Creamy skillet dish with chicken tomatoes and spinach
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs
Servings:
5 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoonItalian 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

Directions

  1. Whisk Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Pat chicken dry with paper towels; toss with seasoning mixture.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Cook's Note:

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 Facts (per serving)

857 Calories
59g Fat
43g Carbs
44g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 857
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 59g 75%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Cholesterol 168mg 56%
Sodium 1973mg 86%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 44g
Vitamin C 47mg 236%
Calcium 460mg 35%
Iron 6mg 34%
Potassium 1687mg 36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.