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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.