Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
This creamy chicken pasta with bacon is a quick and delicious recipe that combines rich flavors and textures for a comforting dish everyone will love.
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
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.