Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort? Dive into this irresistible Pasta with Bacon, Chicken, Peas, and Mushrooms! This Italian-inspired recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also promises to satisfy your cravings with its rich, savory ingredients. Picture perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce, complemented by crispy bacon and tender chicken. Your family will be begging for seconds! Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your loved ones with this delightful meal that can be whipped up in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat is rendered, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become lightly browned.
- Stir in the peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Return crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well to distribute evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente according to package instructions. This ensures it maintains a nice bite and won’t become mushy when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Bacon Bliss: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render properly, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Chicken Check: To ensure your chicken is cooked evenly, cut it into uniform pieces. This helps it brown nicely and cook through without drying out.
- Garlic Alert: Be careful when sautéing garlic; it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it and add the mushrooms as soon as it becomes fragrant.
- Sauce Savvy: If your dish seems dry, don’t hesitate to add more of the reserved pasta water. This starchy water is key to creating a luscious sauce that clings to your pasta.
- Cheese Please: For an extra touch of flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe. Spinach, bell peppers, or shrimp can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
