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Chicken Bacon Pasta

Chicken Bacon Pasta
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A quick and easy Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish offers a delicious balance of savory and creamy textures that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed or thinly sliced
  • 4–6 bacon slices

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

Seasonings & Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Sauté the chicken: Using the bacon fat left in the skillet (or adding a little olive oil if needed), cook cubed or thinly sliced chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, then sprinkle in parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon into the creamy sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; an al dente texture holds up best in creamy dishes.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering it down.
  • Cook bacon first to render fat that adds flavor when cooking chicken and garlic.
  • Add Parmesan cheese gradually to avoid clumping and maintain a smooth sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-bacon-pasta/