Description

If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and comforting meal, this Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a surefire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this meal is quick to prepare and packed with flavors that will make it a regular request at your table

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 slices of bacon (chopped)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.

Step 3: Cook the chicken
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bacon drippings. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.

Step 4: Sauté the onion and garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Prepare the creamy sauce
Once the onion and garlic are cooked, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese
Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Combine the chicken and bacon
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Toss with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for an additional minute or two to absorb all the flavors.

Step 9: Serve
Once the pasta is fully coated and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken and bacon pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness if desired

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For extra flavor, try adding a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce before tossing in the pasta. These ingredients add color and depth to the dish. You can also swap the Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy twist!

Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luxurious creamy sauce, it’s no wonder this meal will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a true crowd-pleaser, and best of all, it’s easy to make! Follow this simple recipe, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.