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One Pot Creamy Bacon Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One Pot Creamy Bacon Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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One Pot Creamy Bacon Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken, crispy smoky bacon, penne pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe cooks everything in one pot, delivering a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 bacon strips
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until crisp and golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pot to build flavor for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest—later you’ll slice or shred it for the pasta.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Add Liquids: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the cream and broth mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  5. Combine Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot along with the crispy bacon pieces. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort of this one-pot wonder.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated sharp Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to prevent mushiness.
  • Reserve bacon fat for sautéing to add smoky depth to the dish.
  • Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Always use freshly minced garlic for maximum aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, creamy pasta, bacon chicken pasta, Parmesan pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/one-pot-creamy-bacon-parmesan-chicken-pasta/