Life often feels like a never-ending race, with packed schedules, work, and family commitments. When it comes to dinner, finding something both delicious and easy to make can seem like a challenge. That’s where this Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe comes in! It's one of my top go-to meals, perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight. Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also hearty and satisfying. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. And the best part? You only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze! This meal also works wonderfully as leftovers, so you can enjoy it again later in the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Bacon Pasta
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need a long list of ingredients, and chances are, you might already have most of them in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Pasta
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use whatever pasta you have on hand, whether it’s penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Personally, I love using penne or rotini because their shape helps hold onto the creamy sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
2. Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to this dish. You can use any type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut or regular. Just make sure to cut it into evenly sized pieces before cooking so it cooks up crispy and evenly.
3. Chicken
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
4. Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is the highlight of this dish. It’s made with garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. This rich, flavorful sauce ties the whole dish together, coating the chicken, bacon, and pasta perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started. This one-pot wonder is not only quick but straightforward enough for even beginner cooks.
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook them until crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra grease. Leave a couple of tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet to cook the chicken later. This adds incredible flavor to the whole dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, add a little olive oil and the cubed chicken. Cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, but leave any remaining juices in the pan. These will add even more flavor to your sauce.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
To start the sauce, add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté it for about a minute, just until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Combine and Toss
Now, return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring them into the creamy sauce until they’re evenly coated. Next, add the cooked pasta and a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce, and the cheese is melted and creamy.
Taste the dish and add any additional seasonings, like salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
Finishing Touches
To make your Chicken Bacon Pasta even more special, you can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the dish. Serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which might be rare with how delicious this dish is!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave the pasta or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Keep in mind that the sauce might thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up as you reheat it.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. It’s hearty, creamy, and satisfying—everything you could want in a comforting meal. Plus, it’s flexible enough to accommodate whatever pasta or bacon you have on hand. Whether served fresh or reheated as leftovers, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite go-to dinner!
