Description
Enjoy a deliciously creamy Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, delivering flavor in every bite!
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 seasoned chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a separate skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop 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 the rest.
- In the skillet used for the bacon, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Slice the baked chicken and add it to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and chopped bacon, mixing until well coated.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Serve the cheesy bacon chicken pasta in bowls or on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes