Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta (quick & easy)
This creamy chicken bacon pasta is a quick and easy comfort food favorite with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheesy sauce tossed with pasta.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon lean
- 16 ounces pasta spaghetti or linguini
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into chunks or strips
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, about 3 large cloves
- 1 teaspoon marjoram or oregano dry
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt more to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup pasta cooking water reserved from cooking
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and reserve ¾ cup pasta water.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic, marjoram or oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Crumble crispy bacon and return to skillet. Mix thoroughly.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated with sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over top and serve hot.
Notes
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.