When life gets busy with work, school, and family commitments, finding time to prepare a hearty and delicious meal can be a challenge. That’s where this Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe comes to the rescue! Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying, this dish combines the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Even better, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and practical, this is it. Plus, it tastes even better as leftovers!
Why Chicken Bacon Pasta is a Go-To Weeknight Meal
The beauty of Chicken Bacon Pasta lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a homemade meal that rivals any restaurant dish. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is also customizable—you can adjust it to suit your family’s preferences or use ingredients you already have on hand.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:
1. Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer or have in your pantry. Penne or rotini are excellent choices because their shape holds the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky depth to the dish. Any variety of bacon works, but be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces before cooking for even crisping.
3. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Cut the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
4. Cream Sauce: The creamy sauce is made from a blend of garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and shredded parmesan cheese. This rich, velvety sauce coats the pasta perfectly and ties all the ingredients together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon In a large skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet, as this will add flavor to the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta While the bacon is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the cubed chicken along with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, but leave the juices in the pan to build more flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce Now it’s time to create the sauce. Add chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. You want it to be creamy but not overly thick at this stage.
Step 5: Combine Everything Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If needed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, toss in the cooked bacon and chicken, mixing everything together for a well-balanced dish.
Serving and Storing Chicken Bacon Pasta
For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the finished dish with chopped parsley. This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet, but it also makes excellent leftovers. If you’re meal prepping, divide the pasta into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it. Properly stored, it will last up to 4 days in the fridge. If the sauce thickens after being refrigerated, simply add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat Chicken Bacon Pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-low and stir occasionally until warmed through. Be sure not to overheat, as the cream sauce can separate if it gets too hot.
A Perfect Recipe for Busy Days
This Chicken Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. It’s quick, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. And don’t forget—it all comes together in just one pot, saving you both time and effort!
If you try this recipe, be sure to share your creation on social media or leave a comment to let others know how it turned out. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight!
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