Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach & Bacon

Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and bacon is the kind of meal that feels both comforting and indulgent—perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or when you want restaurant-quality flavor at home. This dish takes classic Alfredo and elevates it with bold, savory layers: smoky bacon, tender chicken, earthy spinach, and the deep, slightly tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.

While traditional Alfredo is known for its simplicity, this version embraces richness and contrast. Every bite delivers creamy sauce, juicy chicken, pops of umami from sun-dried tomatoes, and crisp bacon for texture. It’s a well-balanced pasta dish that feels luxurious without being complicated.

Why This Alfredo Variation Works So Well

Classic Alfredo relies on cream, butter, and cheese for flavor. While delicious, it can sometimes feel one-note. Adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and bacon transforms the dish into something far more dynamic.

• Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated sweetness and tang
• Spinach brings freshness and color
• Bacon contributes smokiness and crunch
• Chicken makes the dish hearty and satisfying

These additions don’t overpower the Alfredo sauce—they enhance it.

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Alfredo Sauce

A great Alfredo sauce is smooth, rich, and coats the pasta without feeling heavy. The key is gentle heat and quality ingredients. Cream should be warmed slowly, cheese added off direct heat, and the sauce tossed with pasta while still loose.

Using pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to each strand of pasta.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

For the pasta:

• Fettuccine or penne pasta
• Salted water for boiling

For the protein and mix-ins:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Bacon
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
• Fresh spinach

For the Alfredo sauce:

• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper

Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor or texture, creating a cohesive yet complex dish.

Instructions: How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
2. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Season chicken and sear in bacon drippings until golden and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
5. Add cream and simmer gently.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
7. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, allowing spinach to wilt.
8. Toss in pasta, chicken, and bacon.
9. Adjust sauce with pasta water if needed.
10. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach & Bacon

Rich and creamy Alfredo pasta with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz pasta fettuccine or penne
• 1 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
2. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Season and sear chicken until cooked through. Slice.
4. Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add cream and simmer gently.
6. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
7. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
8. Toss in pasta, chicken, and bacon.
9. Adjust sauce with pasta water if needed and serve.

Notes

Reheat gently with a splash of cream for best texture.

Texture and Flavor Balance

This dish succeeds because of contrast. Creamy sauce meets crispy bacon. Tender chicken pairs with chewy sun-dried tomatoes. Spinach cuts through richness with freshness. Each bite feels intentional and satisfying.

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
• Don’t overcook the cream—low heat is key
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
• Season gradually to avoid over-salting
• Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant

Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes
• Mushroom Alfredo: Add sautéed mushrooms
• Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles
• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or Asiago

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables

It’s rich enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with lighter sides.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk
• Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation

Why This Pasta Always Impresses

Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and bacon feels indulgent, comforting, and special—all while being approachable and familiar. It’s a dish that consistently earns compliments and repeat requests.

Once you make it, it quickly becomes a household favorite.