Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Published: June 30, 2025

by Olivia

The Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe highlights tender chicken and crispy bacon enveloped in a rich sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this creamy pasta is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish even on busy weekdays.
Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, garlic, and cream creates an irresistible sauce that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or pasta types based on what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy chicken pasta is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Comfort Food Extraordinaire: It offers the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, gather the right tools before starting. These essential tools will help you prepare the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and allows for easy mixing of the sauce.
Pot: The pot is essential for boiling the penne pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you prep time.

Ingredients

For this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Sauce and Chicken

6 bacon strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless and skinless chicken (thick in size, such as chicken breasts)
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
4 small tomatoes (diced)
2 cups spinach
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (more, if desired)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded; more for garnish)

For the Pasta

10 oz. penne pasta
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat.
– Cook the bacon strips until crispy.
– Remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In the same skillet:
– Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
– Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side).
– Remove from heat and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet:
– Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
– Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
– Cook until spinach wilts down.

Step 4: Combine with Cream

Lower the heat:
– Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until mixed well.
– Add in shredded Parmesan cheese gradually until melted.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

In a large pot:
– Boil water and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
– Drain pasta then add it into the skillet along with sliced chicken and crumbled bacon.
– Toss everything together gently until well coated with sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy chicken pasta that’s sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Family Style

Serve the pasta directly from the pot for a casual vibe. Provide tongs and let everyone help themselves to a hearty portion of this creamy goodness.

Individual Bowls

Present each serving in individual bowls for an elegant touch. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish to enhance the visual appeal.

With Garlic Bread

Pair your creamy chicken pasta with warm garlic bread. The crispy texture complements the dish’s creaminess perfectly, making each bite satisfying.

As Leftovers

Enjoy the pasta as leftovers the next day! Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its luscious texture.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

To make your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon even more flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes will add vibrant flavors and colors, enhancing your dish’s overall appeal.
Cook bacon until crispy: Ensure your bacon is nice and crispy before adding it to the sauce. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. If needed, add more salt or Italian seasoning to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Pasta al dente: Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon can round out your meal and provide variety. Here are some great options to consider:

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing that complement the rich pasta dish.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like broccoli and carrots brings out their sweetness and adds color to your plate.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance while being simple to prepare—just season with salt and lemon juice.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic delivers an appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad made from mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette keeps things fresh alongside the rich main dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a fun side that can be grilled or boiled; it provides a sweet crunch against creamy chicken pasta.
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles can serve as a refreshing base instead of traditional pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, avoid these common mistakes that can hinder your dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking.
Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it tough. Aim for crispy but not burnt bacon for the best texture.
Using low-fat cream: Low-fat cream may curdle and won’t give you that rich sauce. Stick to heavy cream for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Not stirring enough: Failing to stir the pasta while cooking can cause it to stick together. Make sure to stir regularly for even cooking.
Choosing the wrong pasta shape: Using a pasta shape that doesn’t hold sauce well can result in an unsatisfactory dish. Penne is ideal because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different taste.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta and add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.

What sides pair well with Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free penne pasta as a substitute, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. This comforting meal is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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