The harmony of sun-dried tomatoes, crisp bacon, and wilted spinach creates a deeply flavorful, creamy sauce that turns ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary. The richness of the Parmesan and heavy cream is perfectly balanced with the tang of tomatoes and smoky bacon, making every bite indulgent but not overpowering.
This dish is a quick-fix masterpiece, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want maximum taste with minimal fuss. Serve it over a bed of pasta, mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb with a side of sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice. It’s as comforting as it is elegant, with a restaurant-worthy presentation that’ll wow any guest.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
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3 cups fresh spinach
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.
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Drain some of the bacon fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat everything through and coat the chicken with sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Bacon Chicken: A Creamy Skillet Masterpiece
When it comes to comfort food that’s both elegant and effortless, Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Bacon Chicken is a standout star. This dish delivers everything a home cook could want, creamy richness, bold flavors, and a fast, one-pan preparation that works on busy weeknights or special dinners alike. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or yourself, this recipe is bound to satisfy with its indulgent texture and layered flavor profile.
Inspired by the rustic charm of Tuscan cooking, this dish is a celebration of simplicity, elevated ingredients, and warm, hearty satisfaction. Think of it as your favorite creamy Alfredo reimagined, lighter in effort, heavier on depth. The smokiness of the bacon mingles with the slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes, while the fresh spinach adds a welcome balance to the creamy Parmesan sauce that blankets the chicken breasts like a warm embrace.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe is reminiscent of traditional Tuscan flavors, rich cream sauces, robust garlic, and an unapologetic use of ingredients like Parmesan and cured meats. Dishes such as Tuscan Chicken, Chicken Florentine, and Pollo alla Fiorentina all provide some inspiration for this flavorful medley.
What sets this dish apart, however, is the bold addition of sun-dried tomatoes. Unlike their fresh counterpart, sun-dried tomatoes pack a concentrated, slightly sweet and tart punch that enhances the creaminess of the sauce. Paired with crispy bacon, fresh garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning, every bite becomes an experience.
The Flavor Profile
Every component in this recipe has a specific role to play in crafting a flavor-rich dish:
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Chicken breasts are a lean protein that act as a canvas for all the bold flavors.
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Bacon brings in a smoky, salty richness that sets the tone of the dish.
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Sun-dried tomatoes deliver tanginess and an umami bite that balances the cream.
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Spinach adds freshness and color, softening the richness of the dish.
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Heavy cream and Parmesan combine to create a velvety sauce that ties everything together, with the cheese adding nuttiness and depth.
What you get is an unforgettable creamy chicken entrée that’s earthy, savory, just a tad tangy, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: The entire dish comes together in about 35 minutes, all in one skillet, less cleanup, more flavor.
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Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb with zoodles or cauliflower mash.
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Crowd-pleaser: It’s rich and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, from picky eaters to gourmet lovers.
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Meal-prep friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunches throughout the week.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
1. Sear your chicken properly.
Don’t rush the sear! Getting a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken not only locks in juices but also adds texture and flavor that you won’t get from boiling or steaming. Make sure the skillet is hot, and avoid overcrowding.
2. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
They’re softer, more flavorful, and blend better into the sauce. If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water or broth for 10–15 minutes beforehand.
3. Balance your sauce.
The bacon and Parmesan already bring salt to the dish, so taste your sauce before adding extra salt. If it feels too heavy, a splash of chicken broth or white wine can help thin and brighten the sauce.
4. Don’t skip the garlic.
It’s the heart of this dish’s aroma and richness. Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but you can also use roasted garlic for a milder, slightly sweet note.
5. Finish with fresh herbs.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a fresh, bright contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is easily adaptable depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations:
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Make it low-carb or keto by serving with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of pasta.
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Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and bacon and replacing them with sautéed mushrooms and extra spinach.
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Add a touch of heat by including red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist.
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Try different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or Fontina for a creamier finish.
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Add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
Perfect Pairings
Want to create a complete meal? Here are some delicious pairings that complement this dish beautifully:
Side Dishes:
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Garlic roasted broccoli or asparagus
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Herbed couscous
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Buttered egg noodles
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Sautéed zucchini or green beans
Drinks:
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A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
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A light-bodied Pinot Noir
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Sparkling water with lemon and mint
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Iced herbal tea or a citrusy mocktail
Bread:
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Crusty French bread or ciabatta
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Cheesy garlic bread
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Olive focaccia
Storing and Reheating Tips
This dish holds up incredibly well for meal prep and leftovers:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
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Avoid microwaving too long as it may cause the sauce to separate.
You can also freeze this dish, though the sauce may lose some texture. To freeze, allow it to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Bacon Chicken isn’t just another creamy chicken recipe; it’s a symphony of flavor and texture that comes together with simple ingredients and one skillet. Perfectly seared chicken, smoky bacon, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach all swim in a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s both comforting and gourmet.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is secretly easy to make, which is why it deserves a place in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday night or entertaining guests over the weekend, this meal hits all the right notes.
Warm, hearty, and full of character, this is the kind of recipe that reminds you how satisfying homemade food can be. Try it once, and it may just become one of your most requested meals.