Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas

I love it when I come across a recipe that does not require a trip to the grocery store. Plus if it helps to use up that last little bit of heavy cream in the fridge I always seem to have and when that recipe is spicy and ready in about 30 minutes it makes it that much better. 

Spicy Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Peas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ounces no salt added tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Use 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon dried basil to season both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add in the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on on side, flip the chicken breasts over and cook on the other side for about 5 minutes or until completely cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain the pasta and peas.
6. In the same skillet the chicken was cooked in, add in the garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
7. Add in the tomato sauce and remaining 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Once the mixture reaches a boil, immediately reduce the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Add in the cheese and stir until it is completely melted.
10. Add in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
11. Cut the chicken into cubes and add to the sauce.
12. Add in the pasta and peas and half of the bacon. Stir to combine everything together.
13. Top with the remaining bacon.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 675
Total Fat		30.7g
Saturated Fat		13.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.3g
Trans Fat		5g
Cholesterol		150g
Sodium		614.2mg
Potassium		56.1mg
Total Carbohydrates		56.1g
Dietary Fiber		5.6g
Sugars		7.7g
Protein		43.8g
Vitamin A 25.1% Vitamin C 19.5%
Calcium 23.6% Iron 23.8%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Julia's Album.