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- 1 Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- 2 Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Introduction
Are you tired of serving the same bland dishes for dinner? Do you want to whip up something that will tantalize the taste buds of your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen? If so, this creamy chicken pasta with bacon might just be your new go-to recipe! In fact, studies show that over 70% of home cooks prefer meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This creamy chicken pasta recipe not only meets that criterion, but it also incorporates rich flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Let’s dive into creating this comforting dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients List
To make this creamy chicken pasta with bacon, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Substitutions:
- For a healthier option, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian variant.
Timing
This creamy chicken pasta with bacon can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking! That’s about 30% quicker than many traditional pasta recipes that take over 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside. For a bit of flair, consider saving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In the same skillet, retain a tablespoon of the bacon fat and add diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; a little browning adds amazing flavor!
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spinach
Next, toss in the minced garlic and baby spinach (if using), cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and the spinach is wilted.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan for added flavor. Bring to a gentle boil and then lower heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine and create an indulgent, creamy sauce. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the crispy bacon. Serve warm with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this creamy chicken pasta with bacon contains approximately:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish balances protein from the chicken and bacon with carbohydrates from pasta, making it a well-rounded meal option!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten up your creamy chicken pasta with bacon? Consider these modifications:
- Veggie-Packed: Add a medley of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase fiber.
- Cream Alternatives: Use unsweetened almond milk mixed with a little cornstarch for a lower-calorie cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, pair your creamy chicken pasta with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad tossed with vinaigrette. For a fun twist, you can even serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: It’s essential to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue cooking once mixed with the sauce.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: This starchy water is invaluable for adjusting sauce consistency and flavor.
- Not Letting the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least a few minutes melds the flavors beautifully.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta in a pan over low heat, mixing gently until warmed through.
Conclusion
The creamy chicken pasta with bacon is not only a delightful dish but also a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights. With a rich flavor profile and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll cherish for years to come. Don’t hesitate—try this mouthwatering recipe tonight, and share your experience or any variations you come up with! Explore our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for the bacon?
A: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or sausage can be great alternatives, or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and combine with the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Explore More
Curious about other creamy pasta recipes? Check out our blog for more delicious options like creamy shrimp pasta and garlic Alfredo fettuccine! Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz 8 oz. of your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- 2 pieces 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices 4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream For a healthier option, swap with Greek yogurt or light cream.
- 1 cup 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside. For a bit of flair, consider saving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Cooking the Bacon
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In the same skillet, retain a tablespoon of the bacon fat and add diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Adding Garlic and Spinach
- Toss in the minced garlic and baby spinach (if using), cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and the spinach is wilted.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan for added flavor. Bring to a gentle boil and then lower heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Combining and Serving
- Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine and create an indulgent, creamy sauce. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the crispy bacon. Serve warm with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest