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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This creamy chicken pasta with bacon is a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta are tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, making it a hit with the whole family.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

For the Chicken and Bacon:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon:
    In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Cook the Chicken:
    Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in the same skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine Everything:
    Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  6. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • For added veggies, stir in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before serving.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.