Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon is a delightful, indulgent dish that hits all the right notes for a comforting meal. I still remember the first time I served this to my family; the looks of satisfaction were priceless. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and luscious creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta is simply irresistible. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a weekend gathering. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but manages to be easy enough for a casual evening at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it also brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels gourmet without the fuss. The creamy sauce binds the dish together, creating a celebratory flavor profile that can please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s perfect for any occasion—think family dinners, meal prepping for busy weeks, or even cozy brunches!
"This pasta dish was an instant hit! My kids couldn’t get enough of the creamy goodness and crispy bacon. It’s now a regular in our home!" — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon is a straightforward process that flows easily from one step to the next. First, you’ll cook the pasta while rendering the bacon crispy in a skillet. Next, you’ll sauté the chicken and garlic before creating a delectable creamy sauce. Finally, you’ll mix everything together and serve it with a flourish. This dish is as delightful to make as it is to eat!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for a luscious experience:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to experiment with substitutions! For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try turkey bacon if you want a leaner alternative.
Directions to Follow
Cook the penne pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Fry until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan for added flavor.
Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet, add the diced chicken. Cook until there’s no pink remaining. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to infuse the flavors.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine everything: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Mix well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and generously top with crispy bacon and fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Serve Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon
Presentation matters! For an eye-catching dish, twirl the pasta into nests on each plate. Drizzle with a little extra sauce and sprinkle more Parmesan on top for a touch of elegance. Pair this dish with a light salad or garlic bread to balance the richness. A crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon would pair beautifully as well.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’ll be happy to know this dish stores well. Place any remaining chicken penne pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- To save time, prep the ingredients beforehand.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese based on your taste preferences—more cheese equals more flavor!
Recipe Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some tasty variations you might try:
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-friendly dish.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh basil or spinach for added freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation usually takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It’ll keep for about 2 months in the freezer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, milk with a bit of cornstarch for thickening, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
Now you have everything you need to create a mouthwatering Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and fry until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until there’s no pink remaining. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta, topping generously with crispy bacon and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or turkey bacon. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg