Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
To begin, I fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget to season your pasta water with a good amount of salt; this is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta! I usually add my penne once the water is bubbling vigorously. A quick tip here: cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions, as it will continue to soften when you mix it in later. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, I move on to the chicken. I grab my skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While that’s warming up, I season my chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking—trust me, I’ve burned things in a hurry!), I place the chicken in the pan, letting it cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The smell of the seasoning mingling with the oil is incredible! My kitchen almost feels like a cozy diner at this point.
After the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, I remove it from the skillet and let it rest on the cutting board for a few minutes. This is crucial because it allows the juices to settle—if you cut into it immediately, you’ll lose all that moisture. I slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and I can hear the satisfying crunch of the bacon sizzling in the skillet as I prepare to add that delightful element later. (See the next page below to continue…)