Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with creamy chicken and bacon pasta. This dish features tender chicken and crispy bacon enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it promises to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Sauté Chicken: Add seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Add Garlic & Spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic for 30 seconds, then toss in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan over low heat until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet; mix well until evenly coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or add seasonal vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes. For an extra touch of flavor, experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.