Indulge your taste buds with a dish that promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table: Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the richness of heavy cream, the savory goodness of crispy bacon, and tender shredded chicken, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream starts to thicken slightly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring to warm through and coat evenly.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet with cream sauce. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the pasta and give a final gentle stir.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s a great way to adjust the cream sauce’s consistency later!
- Bacon Bliss: For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon. The drippings will enhance the sauce, giving your dish a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the cream.
- Garlic Magic: Be careful when sautéing the garlic; it can burn quickly. You want it fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
- Garnish and Serve: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a lovely finishing touch and elevates presentation.
- Make it Your Own: Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in the skillet along with the chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 160mg
