Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
The Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. The combination of flavors makes every bite a delight, while the creamy texture elevates your typical pasta meal into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of bacon and cream creates a savory sauce that enhances the overall taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to both adults and kids alike, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will save you time and hassle while preparing this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: This is crucial for cooking the chicken and bacon evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
- Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps stir the pasta and sauce without damaging delicate ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: These are essential for chopping vegetables like tomatoes and garlic efficiently.
Ingredients
The DELICIOUS creamy sauce permeates every single bite of this dish!
For the Sauce
- 6 bacon strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 small tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (more if desired)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, more for garnish)
For the Pasta
- 10 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind. Chop it into small pieces once cooled.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In the same skillet with drippings, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before placing it in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes; sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in spinach, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and remaining salt.
Step 4: Combine Cream and Cheese
Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream along with shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
While preparing the sauce, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
Slice cooked chicken into strips or cubes. Add it back to the skillet along with crispy bacon pieces and cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon hot!
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you’ll get a delightful meal that everyone loves!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Serving Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.
Plate It Up
- Use large, shallow bowls for individual servings.
- Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an inviting look.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Serve warm garlic bread on the side.
- The crispy texture complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad can balance the richness of the pasta.
- Consider using mixed greens with vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing touch.
Wine Pairing
- A chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay, enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Alternatively, a light red like Pinot Noir also works well.
Make It Family-Style
- Serve the dish directly from a large serving bowl.
- Let everyone help themselves for a casual dining experience.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Perfecting your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon ensures that every bite is rich and delicious. Here are some useful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach can significantly enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or add more chicken broth.
- Customize spices: Feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to taste or add more crushed red pepper for heat.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Complement your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon by serving it alongside these tasty side dishes. Each option pairs beautifully with this main course.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and flavor, balancing the creaminess of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrients; try carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy dose of greens and pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes offer another comforting option that complements the dish’s flavors.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a flavorful appetizer or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and pasta properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt and pepper.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente texture.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old spinach and tomatoes impacts flavor. Choose fresh produce for the best taste.
- Ignoring cream temperature: Adding cold cream directly to hot ingredients may cause it to curdle. Warm it slightly before mixing.
- Not incorporating bacon fat: Discarding bacon fat before cooking can reduce flavor. Use it as a base for sautéing ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- It lasts up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute penne with any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
How can I customize my Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch out chicken for shrimp or sausage for variety.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luxuriously rich sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and is sure to impress your family and friends. With its delightful flavors and creamy texture, it transforms a simple pasta dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 small tomatoes
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz penne pasta
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and chop once cooled.
- In the same skillet, sauté seasoned chicken until fully cooked; then remove.
- Melt butter, add garlic and tomatoes; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in spinach and spices, followed by cream and Parmesan cheese; simmer until thickened.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix in the chicken, bacon, and pasta with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
