Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta: Indulgent, Quick, and Delicious

January 31, 2025 - by ultimaterecipe10

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Craving a comforting yet flavorful dish? This Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta is a complete meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting dinner guests. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty recipe combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce over pasta for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and downright delicious.

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta

8 oz bacon
4 medium boneless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)

How to Make Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta

Cook the pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Keep pasta covered to retain heat.
Fry the bacon: Dice the bacon and fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy (about 10 minutes). Transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken thighs with garlic powder and black pepper. Coat them evenly in flour.
Cook the chicken: In the skillet with bacon fat, cook the chicken thighs over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, butter, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Let the mixture bubble and reduce by half (about 3–4 minutes).
Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Once the sauce starts bubbling, return the bacon to the pan. Add the cooked pasta, tossing until coated in the sauce.
Serve: Top the pasta with sliced chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, satisfying dish!