Chicken bacon pasta is a crowd-pleaser, a comforting dish that effortlessly blends savory and creamy elements. This recipe elevates the classic, offering a richer, more nuanced flavor profile than your average pasta dish. Forget bland and boring – get ready for a culinary experience!
What Makes This Chicken Bacon Pasta Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing chicken, bacon, and pasta into a pot. We're focused on building layers of flavor, starting with perfectly cooked bacon that lends its smoky richness to the creamy sauce. The chicken is pan-seared for a beautiful sear and juicy interior, ensuring maximum flavor impact. And the creamy sauce? Oh, the creamy sauce! It's rich, decadent, and perfectly coats every strand of pasta, creating a truly unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz bacon, diced
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
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Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until slightly thickened.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H2: Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, fettuccine, or even farfalle. Choose your favorite!
H2: What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with an equal amount of heavy cream and add 1-2 tablespoons of mushroom powder for a similar earthy flavor. You could also experiment with cream of chicken soup for a variation.
H2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving. Avoid adding the bacon until just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
H2: How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, use low-sodium bacon, reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream (adjusting seasonings accordingly), and choose whole wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.
H2: What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Experiment with different cheeses, such as asiago or provolone.
This creamy chicken bacon pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures! Let me know in the comments how your version turns out!
