Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich, velvety sauce, all tossed together with your favorite pasta. This dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress your family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
A Family Favorite: How Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon Became a Hit at Our Dinner Table
There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon and creamy pasta that brings everyone to the table. My husband and kids absolutely love this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, and it’s become one of our go-to meals for busy weeknights. The first time I made it, the house was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon and simmering cream sauce, and I knew I had struck gold. Now, it’s a dish that we all look forward to, especially on those days when we need a little extra comfort.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Flavor Explosion: The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes, making it a flexible recipe for different tastes.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bacon makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients Notes For Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a satisfying crunch and deeper flavor.
- Cream: Heavy cream is ideal for a rich, creamy sauce, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well is perfect for this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a healthy twist to the dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Mix until everything is well coated.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a more indulgent, cheesy sauce.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to add a little extra cream or milk when reheating to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Q2: What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?
A2: This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Q3: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A3: Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken can be used, making this recipe even quicker to prepare.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?
A4: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Q5: Can I make this dish without bacon?
A5: Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer, though the bacon adds a nice crispy texture and flavor. You might consider adding a bit of smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
