Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce with tender fettuccine. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. The combination of savory ingredients and creamy sauce makes it a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare!

How to make Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (chopped into small strips)
  • 4 large cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crisp.
  2. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, keeping a bit of the bacon grease in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chicken and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the skillet, cook the onion with batte over medium heat until it’s soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  5. Add in the pasta, beef broth, additional salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  7. Cook for 13-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring every 4-5 minutes.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water and stir it into the skillet.
  9. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream and all of the cheese until melted.
  10. Top with the chicken and garnish with chopped bacon and parsley.
  11. Enjoy!

How to serve Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

Serve the Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta warm, directly from the skillet. You can enjoy it on its own or with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch!

How to store Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

Tips to make Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

  • Use thick-cut bacon for better crunch and flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute fettuccine with your favorite pasta type, like penne or spaghetti.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to suit your preference.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon and low-fat cream. You can also swap the beef broth with chicken broth for a milder taste. Adding fresh vegetables or switching to a gluten-free pasta can also accommodate different dietary needs.

A Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.

How do I make it spicier?

To add a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes during the cooking process or some chopped jalapeños with the garlic.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook them when ready. However, it’s best to eat the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta

A delightful dish combining chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce with tender fettuccine, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 10 slices thick cut bacon (cut into 1/2 inch slices) Use thick-cut bacon for better crunch and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (chopped in small strips)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Adjust the amount to suit your preference.
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta type.
  • 2 cups beef broth Can substitute with chicken broth for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese Adjust amount to preference.
  • 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped) Garnish.

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crisp.
  • Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, keeping a bit of the bacon grease in the pan.
  • In the same skillet, add the chicken and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center, then remove and set aside.
  • In the skillet, cook the onion with butter over medium heat until it’s soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Add in the pasta, beef broth, additional salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  • Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 13-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring every 4-5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water and stir into the skillet.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cream and all of the cheese until melted.
  • Top with the chicken and garnish with chopped bacon and parsley.

Notes

Serve warm, directly from skillet. Enjoy on its own or with a green salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. To store, let cool, place in an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess. For lighter version, use turkey bacon and low-fat cream.
Keyword Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta, Easy Dinner, Quick Pasta Recipe

    CookingPlates Author

    Welcome CookingPlates

    Hi! I'm Elizabeth, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true recipes for real families with busy schedules. From quick weeknight dinners to weekend treats, you'll find easy recipes using everyday ingredients.