Chicken Bacon Pasta Recipe

Chicken Bacon Pasta is a delightful, creamy dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of savory bacon and tender chicken, all tossed with pasta in a rich sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is not only straightforward but also guarantees a crowd-pleasing experience.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 550
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg

Why Make This Chicken Bacon Pasta

This Chicken Bacon Pasta brings a delicious blend of flavors and textures to your table. The crispy bacon adds a crunchy element, while the creamy sauce envelops the chicken and pasta, making every bite comforting and satisfying. With minimal cooking time and common ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy evenings or a gathering with friends. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a simple garlic bread for an even heartier meal.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Pasta

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Bacon
• Penne pasta
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions:

• Step 1: Cooking the Bacon

  Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.

• Step 2: Searing the Chicken

  In the same skillet, season and sear chicken breasts in the reserved bacon fat. Cook until golden and no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest while you prepare the pasta.

• Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

  Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

• Step 4: Sautéing the Garlic

  In the skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic as it cooks quickly.

• Step 5: Making the Sauce

  Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for a few minutes.

• Step 6: Adding Cheese

  Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

• Step 7: Combining Everything

  Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley to the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated and flavors meld.

• Step 8: Serving

  Serve the Chicken Bacon Pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Pasta

Serve this Chicken Bacon Pasta immediately while it’s hot for the best flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing green salad. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

How to Store Chicken Bacon Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Use thin-cut chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Feel free to swap penne pasta with your favorite shape, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
• Experiment with cheese; mozzarella or gouda can add a different flavor profile.

Delicious Variations

• Add vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Try using turkey bacon or pancetta for a different twist.
• For a lighter version, opt for whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen chicken?
  Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?
  You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter option.

• How can I make this dish dairy-free?
  Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for the parmesan.

• Can I store leftovers?
  Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• How do I make it spicier?
  Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the garlic for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Pasta is a warm, comforting dish that promises rich flavors and is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Give it a go, and indulge in a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and full of delicious possibilities!

Chicken Bacon Pasta

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful, creamy dish that combines savory bacon and tender chicken, all tossed with pasta in a rich sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 4 strips Bacon
• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Grated parmesan
• ¼ cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and crumble. Set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
2. Sear chicken breasts in the reserved bacon fat until golden, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
3. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
4. Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for about one minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes.
6. Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and chopped parsley to the sauce. Toss to combine.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use thin-cut chicken breasts for quicker cooking. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg