Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta is a mouthwatering, one-pan dish that combines the savory richness of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a velvety cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent comfort meal, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With a balance of creaminess, saltiness, and a slight tang from the tomatoes, this pasta dish is both satisfying and elegant.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients

Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Butter
300 grams chicken fillet, diced

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika

1 tsp curry powder
100 grams bacon, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced

300 ml chicken broth
200 ml heavy cream
250–300 grams pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)

Cherry tomatoes, halved
Green onions, chopped
100 grams grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and a little butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken fillet and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and curry powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Fry the Bacon
Push the chicken to the side and add diced bacon to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until crispy and the fat has rendered. Stir together with the chicken.

Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Create the Sauce
Pour in 300 ml of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 200 ml of heavy cream and mix well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Add Fresh Ingredients
Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and grated cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of creamy, cheesy, savory goodness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: ~720mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on pasta and cheese choice.)

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Cream-based pasta dishes have deep roots in Italian-American cuisine, where comfort meets flavor. While this specific recipe isn’t traditionally Italian, it draws influence from carbonara, Alfredo, and Tuscan pasta recipes. Its modern twist—adding curry powder and paprika for extra flavor—makes it a versatile fusion dish that’s beloved across global food blogs and family kitchens. The inclusion of bacon adds a smoky, salty contrast, making it highly craveable and popular on weeknight dinner menus.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

One-pan simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Rich and hearty: Satisfying for both lunch and dinner.

Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian.
Great for meal prep: Stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Crowd-pleaser: Adults and kids alike will love it.

Health Benefits

While creamy dishes are usually indulgent, this meal does offer several health benefits:

High protein from chicken and cheese helps build muscle.

Tomatoes and green onions add antioxidants and fiber.
Parsley is rich in vitamin K and acts as a digestive aid.
Using low-fat cream or yogurt can reduce the calorie content while still preserving the dish’s creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta:

With a side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette
With warm garlic bread or herb focaccia

As a standalone dinner with a glass of white wine
In a lunchbox for a flavorful midday meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken: Leads to dry and rubbery meat. Sear until just cooked.

Using low-quality cream: Might curdle or separate in heat. Use heavy cream or cooking cream.
Adding garlic too early: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Add it after the meat is browned.
Overcrowding the pan: Causes steaming instead of proper searing. Cook in batches if needed.

Pairing Recommendations

Beverages: White wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc), sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea
Side dishes: Roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or sautéed spinach
Appetizers: Bruschetta, caprese skewers, or mini garlic knots

Cooking Tips

For added depth, use smoked paprika or add a dash of nutmeg to the sauce.
Swap out regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free versions.
Let the cream sauce simmer gently—don’t boil it.

Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.

Similar Recipes to Try

Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Tagliatelle

Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Add crushed chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and bacon; add mushrooms, spinach, and peas.

Cheese Swap: Use gouda, parmesan, or gorgonzola for different flavor notes.
Creamy Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto for herbal brightness.
Tomato Cream Sauce: Add tomato paste for a rosé-style sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Fillet: Lean and high in protein, chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking and pairs well with creamy sauces.

Bacon: Adds smoky richness and crunch. You can use pancetta or turkey bacon as alternatives.

Heavy Cream: Essential for a smooth and thick sauce. You can replace it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a twist.

Paprika & Curry Powder: These spices add depth and color. Curry introduces a slightly earthy flavor, while paprika brings mild sweetness.

Cheese: The melty element that ties the dish together. Mozzarella makes it creamy, while cheddar gives a sharp kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta is the perfect blend of indulgence and ease. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or preparing it for guests, this recipe never fails to impress. Its versatility, creamy richness, and flavorful depth make it a modern classic. Plus, with just one pan and under an hour to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and add a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken it.

2. Can I substitute the chicken with shrimp or beef?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time—shrimp cooks faster, and beef may need longer.

3. Is it okay to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add it at the end just to heat through, so it doesn’t dry out.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it, cool it, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

5. What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are all great options—they hold the sauce well.

6. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-fat cream, reduce the cheese amount, skip the bacon, or add more vegetables.

7. Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with added liquid to restore the sauce.

8. What can I use instead of bacon?
Try pancetta, smoked sausage, or even vegetarian bacon strips for a meatless option.

9. Can I add mushrooms or spinach?
Definitely. Both ingredients pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and can increase the nutrition.

10. What if I don’t have broth?
Substitute with water and add a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of stock powder for flavor.