Description

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner that blends tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish delivers smoky, savory flavors and satisfying textures that make weeknight meals feel special and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 slices bacon, chopped

Pasta

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Garnish

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Prepare the Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Using the same skillet with bacon fat, add seasoned bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, without browning. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat all pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Choose pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well.
Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Save pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
Season gradually since bacon and Parmesan add saltiness naturally.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 520
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken bacon pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick comfort food, family dinner, easy pasta recipe