Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce. It is a comforting meal that can be made quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With its indulgent flavors and simple ingredients, this pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta. First, it is a delicious way to enjoy pasta with a twist. The combination of chicken and bacon adds extra protein and flavor to your meal. Second, the creamy sauce makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Lastly, this dish is easy and quick to prepare, allowing you to create a gourmet dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Ingredients

• 6 oz / 180 g fettuccine or other pasta
• 5 – 7 oz / 150 – 200 g bacon, chopped
• 6 oz / 180 g chicken breast, cut in half horizontally
• 1 tbsp (30 g) butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) heavy cream / thickened cream
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) pasta cooking water (Note 1)
• 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan (or 1/4 cup store-bought grated) (Note 2)
• Fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan for serving

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to packet instructions, MINUS 2 minutes (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
2. Scoop out a mugful of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Season chicken on both sides and cook in the bacon fat for about 2 minutes on each side.
5. Wipe the pan if you prefer a cleaner sauce. This will keep the sauce pretty white (Note 3).
6. Melt butter over medium heat in the same pan. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for 3 – 4 minutes until the onion is light golden and soft.
7. Stir in the cream, about 3/4 cup of pasta water, and parmesan. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently for about 1 1/2 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the pasta. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
9. Finally, toss in the cooked bacon and chicken.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is best served hot. Plate it into bowls or onto plates, then sprinkle with a generous amount of fresh parsley and grated parmesan. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

1. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken briefly in your favorite spices or herbs before cooking.
2. If you prefer a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
3. Adding vegetables like spinach or peas can enhance the nutritional value of your meal.
4. Make sure to save some pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by using different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. You might also swap bacon for sausage or even use vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

2. What if I don’t have fettuccine?
You can use any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, penne, or farfalle, for this recipe.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Enjoy the creamy goodness of this Chicken and Bacon Pasta recipe. It’s a dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike!

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

A delightful and comforting pasta dish with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meat

• 6 oz fettuccine or other pasta
• 5 – 7 oz bacon, chopped
• 6 oz chicken breast, cut in half horizontally

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter (30 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion finely chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
• ¾ cup heavy cream / thickened cream
• ¾ cup pasta cooking water (Note 1)
• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan (or 1/4 cup store-bought grated, Note 2)
• to taste salt and pepper

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan for serving

Instructions

 

Cooking the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to packet instructions, MINUS 2 minutes (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
• Scoop out a mugful of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Cooking the Bacon and Chicken

• Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Season chicken on both sides and cook in the bacon fat for about 2 minutes on each side.
• Wipe the pan if you prefer a cleaner sauce. This will keep the sauce pretty white.

Making the Sauce

• Melt butter over medium heat in the same pan. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for 3 – 4 minutes until the onion is light golden and soft.
• Stir in the cream, about 3/4 cup of pasta water, and parmesan. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining and Serving

• Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently for about 1 1/2 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the pasta. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
• Finally, toss in the cooked bacon and chicken.
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish. You can also add vegetables like spinach or peas for enhanced nutrition.

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta, pasta recipe, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal