Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Okay folks, gather ’round! If you’re anything like me, some nights you just crave pure comfort food. What do you want that hugs you from the inside out, fills you up, and doesn’t take all day to get it? What is Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon? Is it like a warm blanket on the chilly evening, but in pasta form? Think of it as the easier, more weeknight-friendly cousin of chicken alfredo – but with bacon. What is better with bacon? What is a crowd pleaser recipe? My family begs me to make this at least once a week!
What is Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?
What is Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon? What’s essentially a pasta dish where perfectly cooked chicken and crispy bacon mingle in an rich, creamy sauce. Think of it as the ultimate trifecta of deliciousness. The sauce is usually a blend of cream, cheese (Parmesan cheese is the best! ). ), garlic, and herbs, creating a velvety smooth coating for your favorite pasta shape. I personally love using penne or rotini because they grab onto all that glorious sauce. It’s not just a meal, it’ll be an experience. Is it simple enough for a weeknight, yet satisfying enough to serve to company? What is a great way to turn simple ingredients into delicious meals?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to love this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe?
- The Flavor:First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What are some of the best flavors in this smoky bacon, savory chicken, creamy sauce, and garlic? Will have you wanting more. Is it a perfect balance of comfort and richness?
- It’s Incredibly Easy:What are some of the best recipes that look amazing but are actually super simple to make? I don’t need any fancy culinary skills to be a chef. If you can boil pasta and cook chicken, you could nail this recipe. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen?
- Budget FriendlyMost of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily accessible. Chicken, bacon, pasta, cream cheese, and Parmesan won’t break the bank.
- So Versatile:How do you customize this recipe to your heart’s content? Add your favorite veggies, swap out the pasta, or use different types of cheese. What are some great ways to use up leftover chicken or bacon? Is it as good as the next day?
What I love most is that I can throw this together with ingredients I normally have on hand, and it’s delicious. Why do people rave about it? Is it better to order takeout than ordering a meal? If you like creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or carbonara, you’re absolutely going to love this dish. To fall in love with this one. It has all the comforting goodness of those classics but with an extra kick from the bacon. Lighter, brighter sauce.
How do I make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?
Quick Overview
How do I make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon? How do you cook bacon and chicken? While the pasta cooks, you whip up the creamy sauce with cream cheese, parmesan cheese and feta cheese. How do you combine everything and voila! Dinner is served. What is the beauty of this recipe? Don’t worry about precise measurements – just taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Ingredients Notes
For the Pasta:
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape). I like penne because the ridges catch the sauce, but rotini is also good.For the Chicken: Why is it called
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Can you use chicken tenders to save time? 1 tablespoon olive oil. For sautéing the chicken.For the Bacon:
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. I like thick-cut bacon for this recipe, but any kind will work. What are some good ways to cook bacon? Save 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease. This adds so much flavor to the sauce.What is Creamy Sauce?
4 ounces cream cheese, softened. This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. 1 cup heavy cream. Adds richness and helps thin out the sauce. What is the best substitute for Parmesan cheese? How can I use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. 2 cloves garlic, minced. Add a nice savory flavor. 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. What are some good substitutes for dried oregano, basil, and thyme? What is the best seasoning to use? 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish). Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. What are some good ways to use bacon grease in a skillet? What is chicken and sauce?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe is a complete meal on its own. What are some good ideas to round it out?
For a light lunch:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will help cut through the richness of pasta.
For Dinner with Guests:Garlic bread is always a hit. A side of roasted vegetables adds a healthy touch.
For a Special Occasion:A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the creamy white chocolate. Can you serve a Caprese salad or bruschetta as an appetizer? I’ve even added spinach, spinach and mushrooms to it. What do you think? Feel free to experiment and make it your own. I added a pinch of pepper flakes to my soup and it was amazing! My family loved it.
How do I make creamy chicken pasta with bacon?
How do I make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?
Don’t overcook a chicken: DonOvercooked chicken is dry and rubbery. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and no longer pink inside. Is it a good idea to cook it in the sauce?
How do I use fresh grated ParmesanPre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.
Don’t skip the Bacon Grease: What are some goodWhat is the best way to use bacon grease? What is the best way to cook chicken and sauce?
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken, pasta, and sauce with plenty of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the sauce. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but not hard. I made this mistake one time and the pasta was inedible.
Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious. Just add them to the skillet after cooking the chicken.
I tested this with almond milk instead of heavy cream once, and it worked surprisingly well. It made the sauce a little lighter, but still creamy and delicious. This is my go to recipe for any dinner party, even my picky mother in law loves it. I always get compliments on the sauce!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Stir every minute or so to ensure even heating. Make sure the bacon is heated properly to ensure quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and crispy bacon create a symphony of flavors that you won’t be able to resist. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 8 oz bacon diced
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic to the chicken and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon back into the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
