This Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts sit on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a silky cream sauce with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Everything comes together in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still feeling indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken
- 500 g penne or rigatoni pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Bacon Cream Sauce
- 150 g bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thick strips.
Preparing the Bacon
In the same skillet, add diced bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
Making the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the bacon drippings, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Add paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Arrange the sliced chicken on top and sprinkle bacon evenly throughout. Cover the skillet and let everything warm together for 3–5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a perfect final touch.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning
- Mushroom addition: Sauté mushrooms with the bacon
- Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina
- Light version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the sauce
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting
- Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy
- Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s a guaranteed favorite that brings everyone back for seconds. 🍝🧀🔥