Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and incredibly flavorful dish that is perfect for satisfying pasta cravings. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and smooth cream cheese, this dish delivers a comforting and indulgent meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The cream cheese sauce makes it extra luscious, while the smoky, crispy bacon adds depth and texture. This recipe creates a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone at the table will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat the Pan: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet, spreading it out in an even layer.
2. Cook the Bacon: Let the bacon cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Save the Bacon Grease: The bacon grease adds incredible flavor to the dish, so don’t discard it! You’ll use it in the next steps to cook the chicken and vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: While the bacon is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken in Bacon Grease: Using the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. This should take about 5-6 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Remove Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a separate plate. You may want to cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. If you want to prevent the pasta from sticking together, you can toss it with a little olive oil.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken and bacon, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will deglaze the pan and add even more flavor to the sauce.
3. Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Use a whisk or spoon to break up the cream cheese and stir it into the broth until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening slightly as the cream heats through.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a rich, velvety texture.
6. Season the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes, this is a good time to add them to the sauce as well.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add Chicken to Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce.
2. Add Bacon: Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the chicken, bacon, and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
4. Optional: Add Frozen Peas: If you want to add a pop of color and texture, stir in 1/2 cup of frozen peas. The peas will cook quickly in the heat of the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the creamy bacon chicken pasta among plates or bowls. Make sure each serving has plenty of chicken, bacon, and sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For added flavor, you can also drizzle a little extra bacon grease over the top.
3. Serve Hot: Serve the pasta hot, alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:

Softened cream cheese incorporates into the sauce more easily and prevents lumps. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start cooking to let it come to room temperature.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:

Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so make sure to remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s cooked through. Keep an eye on it, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for accuracy.

3. Customize the Pasta Shape:

This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are great options, but feel free to use your favorite. Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti also works, though it creates a different texture and eating experience.

4. Use High-Quality Bacon:

The bacon adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so choose a high-quality, thick-cut bacon if possible. For a smoky twist, try using applewood or hickory-smoked bacon.

5. Make It Ahead:

This dish is great for meal prep! You can make the sauce, chicken, and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta and reheat the sauce mixture, then toss everything together.

Variations of Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

1. Spicy Version:

Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicier version of this dish. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for extra heat.

2. Vegetable-Loaded Version:

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish to incorporate more vegetables. You can also stir in roasted broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.

3. Low-Carb Version:

For a low-carb version of this dish, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The creamy sauce works just as well with vegetable-based noodles.

4. Gluten-Free Version:

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of your cream cheese and bacon to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

5. Dairy-Free Option:

Replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and use a vegan cheese substitute. There are plenty of dairy-free cream cheese options available in stores now.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garlic Bread:

Serve the pasta with warm garlic bread on the side. The crunchy bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

2. Fresh Green Salad:

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon dressing.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, make a great accompaniment to this pasta dish. The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies balance the creamy sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this recipe will surely impress. With customizable options, like adding vegetables or making it spicier, you can tailor this dish to suit your personal tastes. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete, delicious meal that everyone will love.

Yield: 4

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and incredibly flavorful dish that is perfect for satisfying pasta cravings. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and smooth cream cheese, this dish delivers a comforting and indulgent meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The cream cheese sauce makes it extra luscious, while the smoky, crispy bacon adds depth and texture. This recipe creates a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone at the table will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sauté the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it starts to melt.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.

5. Combine the Ingredients:

• Add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet, stirring to combine.
• Gently fold in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

6. Serve:

• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Notes

• Bacon Substitute: For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely.
• Veggie Additions: Feel free to add spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a bit of heat.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.