Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Easy Creamy Chicken and Bacon Fettuccine Pasta
Experience true comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta! This recipe is a certified family favorite, renowned for its simple preparation and utterly delicious outcome. Imagine tender fettuccine noodles bathed in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce, generously topped with perfectly cooked, juicy chicken pieces and irresistible crispy bacon. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
For a truly complete and unforgettable meal, serve this delightful pasta alongside some warm, cheesy garlic bread and a refreshing bright tomato avocado salad. This combination creates a dinner that’s both hearty and balanced, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
This creamy chicken and bacon pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul, making it super hearty and comforting. For anyone who appreciates the pure joy of a well-executed creamy pasta, this recipe is a revelation. I honestly believe it’s the best pasta I’ve had in a long time!
My love for creamy pasta recipes runs deep, and after the overwhelming success of my creamy shrimp alfredo pasta, I knew I had to create another show-stopping variation. This version takes everything you love about rich, savory pasta dishes and elevates it with the perfect pairing of chicken and bacon. I intentionally added extra garlic and created a more generous cream sauce, anticipating that the succulent chicken and pasta would eagerly soak up all that deliciousness. Trust me, extra sauce is always a good thing, especially when you’re ready to sop it up with some crusty bread!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible meal. You’ll find a detailed list with precise measurements in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of the key components that make this dish so special:
- Fettuccine (or your preferred pasta shape)
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Smoked Bacon
- Heavy Cream
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic (fresh and granulated)
- Paprika
- Italian Seasoning
- Red Crushed Pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Best Flavor
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their lean protein and quick cooking time. For added flavor and moisture, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon renders beautifully, providing both crispy bits and flavorful grease that forms the base of our sauce. Don’t skip reserving that bacon fat – it’s liquid gold!
- Pasta: While fettuccine is traditional for a creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with other shapes like penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is crucial for the luxurious, rich texture of the sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as they may curdle or not achieve the desired thickness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty instead of smooth and silky.
- Garlic: We use both granulated garlic for seasoning the chicken and fresh garlic for the sauce. This layered approach ensures a deep, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Seasonings: Paprika adds a lovely color and subtle sweetness, while Italian seasoning brings a fragrant herbaceous note. Red crushed pepper is optional but highly recommended for a gentle kick that balances the richness.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Creating this delicious creamy chicken and bacon pasta is straightforward, but each step plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a small bowl, combine granulated garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Generously rub this spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Set them aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the bacon.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel for even cooking), cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s beautifully crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Crucially, reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon grease in the skillet – this will be the foundation of your sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Build the Cream Sauce: With the flavorful bits still in the skillet, add the minced fresh garlic and red crushed pepper (if using). Sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet with your spoon to loosen any browned bits – these are packed with flavor! Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to come together.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will gradually thicken to a luscious consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Remember, the Parmesan and bacon will add saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy goodness. Fold in the sliced cooked chicken and the crumbled crispy bacon. Mix well to distribute all the wonderful ingredients. Serve your creamy chicken and bacon pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and prepare to enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few simple tips can elevate your creamy chicken and bacon pasta from great to truly extraordinary:
- Enhance with Wine: For a sophisticated depth of flavor, consider adding a dry white wine. I highly recommend using a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Add about 1/2 cup to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and red crushed pepper. Let it simmer and reduce by half, allowing the alcohol to cook off and concentrate its flavor, before incorporating the heavy cream.
- Incorporate Vegetables: To add some freshness and extra nutrients, feel free to toss in some vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms (added with the garlic) or fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) are fantastic additions that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t limit yourself to fettuccine! This recipe is versatile enough to work with almost any pasta shape. Penne, spaghetti, linguine, or rigatoni are all excellent substitutions that will hold the creamy sauce well. Always cook your pasta al dente according to package directions, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- Don’t Skimp on Freshness: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference compared to pre-shredded varieties. Its superior melting quality and richer flavor contribute significantly to a smoother, more delicious sauce.
- Season in Layers: Taste your food at every stage of the cooking process. Season the chicken, then season the sauce, and finally, adjust seasonings after combining everything. This ensures a balanced flavor profile throughout the dish.
Make Ahead & Storage: Enjoying Your Pasta Later
While this creamy chicken and bacon pasta is undoubtedly at its best when served immediately, you can certainly prepare components in advance or store leftovers:
- Making Ahead: If you plan to make this dish in advance for a future meal, I strongly recommend increasing the amount of sauce you prepare by at least double. Pasta tends to absorb a lot of liquid the longer it sits, especially when refrigerated. Having extra sauce will ensure your reheated pasta remains wonderfully creamy and doesn’t dry out. You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them separately. The sauce can also be made and stored. Combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover creamy chicken and bacon pasta should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. You’ll likely need to add a splash of milk or extra heavy cream, along with a bit more Parmesan cheese, to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but often results in a less creamy texture.
- Freezing: Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended as the dairy in the sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing. If you absolutely must freeze it, cook the pasta slightly under al dente, and consider freezing the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta, then combining and reheating with fresh pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Here are some common questions you might have about making this irresistible dish:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a great substitute. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
- My sauce is too thin/thick. How can I fix it? If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes over medium-high heat, stirring, to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure all other ingredients, like seasonings, are also certified gluten-free.
- Is there a way to make this spicier? To increase the heat, add more red crushed pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- What kind of skillet should I use? A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is ideal. Cast iron or stainless steel works best for achieving a good sear on the chicken and for even heating of the sauce.
Once you combine the irresistible flavors of tender chicken, savory bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious cream sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. This delicious recipe is destined to become a cherished family favorite, bringing joy to your dinner table for years to come!
More Delicious Recipes You Should Try:
- Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Creamy Smothered Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Parmesan
- Creamy Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/2 lb fettuccine
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp red crushed pepper, optional
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the granulated garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken on both sides with the spice mixture.
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Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Reserve the bacon grease.
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Cook the chicken in the same skillet you cooked the bacon in for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
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Add the garlic and red crushed pepper and cook for 20 seconds.
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Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook the sauce over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until nice and thick.
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Add the cooked fettuccine pasta along with the cooked chicken and crisp bacon. Check for seasoning and mix well.
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Garnish with parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
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Notes
- If using thin sliced chicken breasts, cook for 3 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees F.
- If you have any left over spice mixture, add it to the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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