Mediterranean Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Cheese

In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice and zest of half a lemon, paprika, turmeric, coriander, oregano, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Rub this marinade generously all over the chicken pieces, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 150ml of pasta water.
Cook the Bacon:
In the same pan used for the chicken, add the diced bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside with the chicken, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
Make the Tomato Sauce:
In the same pan with the leftover bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and the grated tomatoes. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the tomatoes to break down.
Pour in 150ml of water (reserved pasta water can be used here), and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it’s rich and flavorful.
Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Add the drained pasta into the tomato sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water to loosen it up. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Add Spinach and Cheese:
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt in the hot pasta and sauce.
Add the cooked bacon back into the pan, followed by half of the cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy pasta mixture.
Assemble the Dish:
Slice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta.
Stir everything together, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it melt over the warm pasta, or transfer the dish to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to achieve a bubbly, cheesy topping.
Serve:
Serve the Mediterranean Chicken and Bacon Pasta with an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and garnish with fresh oregano or parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):
Calories: 480 kcal
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
(Note: Nutrition facts will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly in this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option for a leaner dish, while thighs add more juiciness.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape will work, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are great options as they hold the sauce well. Spaghetti can also be used if preferred.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the chicken and bacon entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. A meat-free version is equally delicious with a cheesy, tomato-based sauce.

4. Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Absolutely! You can replace spinach with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a similar result.

Tips on How to Make the Best Mediterranean Chicken and Bacon Pasta:
Marinate the Chicken for More Flavor:
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes ensures it absorbs all the delicious Mediterranean spices and lemon flavor. For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese:
Grating your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese improves the texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Cook the Bacon Until Crispy:
The crispy texture of bacon adds a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta, so be sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned.
Balance the Acidity:
If you find the tomato sauce too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This will mellow out the tanginess of the tomatoes.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
You can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of the spinach and cheese may change slightly after freezing.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Cheese is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich Mediterranean flavors with the comforting appeal of pasta. The marinated chicken, paired with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables, results in a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home!