Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe
A rich and creamy pasta loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a silky cream cheese sauce. Quick, hearty, and family-approved—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Bacon:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound 450g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional for color and smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices bacon chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz 340g penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
- 1 cup 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup 240 ml chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, crisp the bacon, then set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of grease. Add olive oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then stir in cream cheese until softened.
- Gradually whisk in broth and cream, then add Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.
- Return chicken and bacon, toss in pasta, and add a bit of pasta water if needed. Simmer briefly, then serve topped with parsley and extra Parmesan.