What is my ultimate comfort food?Chicken Bacon Pasta. Chicken Past. This isn’t just a pasta dish; it’s also an appetizer. What’s better, crispy bacon and juicy chicken bits thrown in for good? Is it easier than lasagna? I swear, the first time I made this, it disappeared in minutes. My family devoured it! If you’re looking for something that’s quick, easy, and will have everyone asking for it, then this is it. Seconds (and maybe thirds!) are the most If you’re a vegetarian, then this is your recipe. Trust me, you won’t regret it

What is Chicken Bacon Pasta?

Think of Chicken Bacon Pasta. Chicken PastAs the ultimate creamy pasta indulgence. I’m partial to penne, but any short steamed pasta would be delicious. What is the best pasta recipe? ), tender chicken pieces, crispy, smoky bacon, and a luscious, creamy sauce that just coats the chicken. Everything in pure deliciousness. Is this a simple dish? The name says it all – chicken, bacon, and pasta. But it’s the creamy sauce that ties everything together. What elevates it to something truly special? What is a weeknight meal?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this recipe?Flavor:What is the combination of smoky bacon, savory chicken, and rich, creamy sauce? Every bite is an explosion of taste that will leave you wanting more. It’s seriously addicting!Simplicity: This is a recipe that even a beginner cook can master. It comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off while the pasta cooks. It’s seriously foolproof.
• Cost-The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?Versatility:Can you customize this dish to your liking? Add veggies, swap out pasta, or change up the cheese – the possibilities are endless! I sometimes throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a little extra something. What I love most about this is how easy it is to adapt to what I have on hand. Don’t have penne? Is it okay to use rotini instead of heavy cream? Half and half will work in a pinch (though it won’t be quite as decadent). It’s a truly forgiving recipe, unlike some of those fussy baking ones, and it always delivers. What is a comforting meal? I’ve made variations of it with shrimp instead of chicken and even with sausage – all delicious!

How do I make Chicken Bacon Pasta?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Bacon Pasta. Chicken PastIs honestly a breeze. You basically cook pasta, crisp up the bacon, sauté the chicken, and whip up creamy sauce. Toss everything together, and boom! Dinner is served. What is the beauty of this recipe? Plus, the entire process is so straightforward that even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can still learn to cook. How do I make a good meal in my own kitchen? What is the perfect weeknight dinner?

Ingredients

For the Main Pasta: For a vegetarian.
• 1 pound penne pasta (or any short pasta you like)
• 6 slices bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-in
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Drain. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. I always drain pasta water in a bowl and reserve about 1 cup of it. I usually do this. What is the best way to adjust sauce consistency?

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Don’t throw bacon grease away! It’s liquid gold for flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

What is the best way to cook chicken in bacon grease? Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam and not brown. I usually do this in batches to ensure a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you have browned bits on the bottom of the pan, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the sides. What is the flavor of Parmesan cheese? Stir in the heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.Chicken Bacon Pasta. Chicken PastIs it good to eat hot out of the skillet?

What do you serve it with?

This Chicken Bacon Pasta. Chicken PastIs a complete meal on its own?For a light lunch:Pair it with a simple green salad with olive oil. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of pasta.For a dinner party: What are some ideas?Serve it alongside some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce, and a roasted potato. What are some vegetables like asparagus or broccoli?For a Special Occasion: Add a glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine will complement the creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
My family also loves it with a side of garlic bread, because, well, who doesn’t love garlic bread? And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can even add a sprinkle of truffle oil for an extra layer of decadence. I have a friend who swears by serving it with a side of grilled shrimp – she says the combination is divine!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Bacon Pasta

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Chicken Bacon Pasta ever:
Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, start with a cold skillet and cook over medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon without burning.
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Also, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to help it brown better.
Sauce Consistency: Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! It’s the secret to achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it a little at a time until the sauce is just right.
Cheese Choice: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious. I once accidentally used Gruyere because it looked like parmesan and that was amazing
Herb Power: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried, but use about half the amount.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, if you really like heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of bacon.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Chicken Bacon Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the pasta from drying out, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce may separate and the pasta may become mushy. But, if you absolutely must freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw it completely before reheating. The texture might not be quite as good, but it will still be edible. I did that once when I made too much and had to reheat it when the company showed up late the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I’ve tried it with several brands, and they all work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit finicky.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each cheese will add a slightly different flavor profile, so have fun and find your favorite combination!

How can I make this vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to make it more substantial. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also help to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

While heavy cream is what makes the sauce super rich and decadent, you can use milk or half-and-half in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy. You might want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it up.

How long does this last in the fridge?

The Chicken Bacon Pasta will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe a try! It’s seriously one of my all-time favorites, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the perfect trifecta for a weeknight meal. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!