Creamy Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta with Crispy Bacon & Spinach 🍗🥓🥬✨
A comforting pasta dish with smoky honey BBQ flavors, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce—finished with fresh spinach for balance.
Ingredients 🛒
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, sliced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
5 slices bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
¼ cup honey BBQ sauce
2 cups fresh spinach
Grated parmesan, for serving
Method 👩🍳
Cook pasta: Boil penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook bacon: In skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sear chicken: In same skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through.
Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to skillet, cook briefly until fragrant.
Make sauce: Stir in cream, milk, and honey BBQ sauce. Simmer until thickened slightly.
Combine: Add pasta, spinach, and bacon back into skillet. Toss until spinach wilts and everything is coated in sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parmesan. Enjoy hot.
Tips
Extra indulgence: Add mozzarella for a gooey cheese pull.
Variation: Swap spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery twist.
Serving idea: Pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Kcal: ~420 per serving
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Creamy Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta—comfort with a smoky twist 🍗🥓🥬✨”
Comment prompt: “Would you add extra BBQ sauce or keep it creamy?”
Rotating closers: “Save for your next pasta night.” • “Tag a friend who loves smoky flavors.” • “Golden pasta, creamy BBQ bliss.”