Chicken, Bacon and Artichoke Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce

You guys.  I think I've found my favorite pasta recipe (to date) EVER!  This recipe is so creamy and delicious that you will be begging for more and, the good news is, you can have more because this recipe makes a TON of pasta!  I mean, what's not to like?  Chicken, bacon, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, all smothered in a creamy garlic sauce.  Can I get an amen?  Yes, indeed!

Chicken Bacon and Artichoke Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce (adapted from iowagirleats.com)

For the pasta:


16 oz. dry penne
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite sized pieces
Salt and pepper
1 (15 oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 c. julienned sun dried tomatoes (not in oil)
5 oz. fresh baby spinach

For the creamy garlic sauce:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. skim milk
1 1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 t. Italian seasoning
1 t. garlic powder

For the pasta:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions.  Drain and set aside.  Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.  Remove to a paper towel lined plate and then discard all but one teaspoon of the bacon grease.  Add the chicken to the skillet then season with salt and pepper and saute until no longer pink.  Add the artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes then saute until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the spinach, tossing with tongs until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.  

For the creamy garlic sauce:

Meanwhile, in a saucepan place the olive oil and butter and allow the butter to melt over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth and cook for 1 minute.  Slowly stream in the milk and chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps.  Season with salt and pepper then switch to a wooden spoon and stir until thick and bubbly, stirring often, about 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat then stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.  Combine the pasta, chicken mixture, sauce and bacon and serve!

6 servings (609 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com