Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with its delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and crumble the bacon.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If too thick, add more reserved pasta water.
- Gently fold in sliced chicken and crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to warm through.
- Remove from heat and serve in bowls or on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious cheesy bacon chicken pasta!
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream alternative.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes